892 Responses to Want to know when your vintage Citizen watch was made?

Hi
I have inherited a ladies rectangular dress watch and would like to know the date of manufacture.
The watch bears the numbers 5421-K15044CK and 051222 on the back of the case. I’m guessing it dates to the 1980’s.
Are there any online catalogues I could consult?
kind regards

This gives the date of the model as the ’00 season’, presumably meaning the year 2000, which is obviously much more recent than you thought for yours. If the information given in this link is correct for this model, yours was made in May 2000 (from the first two digits in the serial number 051222).

Hi – Steve my name is Scott I am not sure how to use this blog site so I am leaving my comment here – I have a 1970’s Citizen world time GMT Model 68-0516 and trying to find parts I think it is from the 1970’s any help would be great –

Hi Scott, thanks for visiting my blog 🙂 Your question is fine in any of the comments threads, I am notified of any new comments so nothing is missed.

You have an interesting and rare watch from the early 1970s. The GMT / world time model uses the 7450 movement, and I reckon that not too many of them were made /sold since they aren’t seen very often. As a result parts are going to be very hard to find. A donor watch is a possible source, but there are so few of these around. Do you know what parts are needed? It may be slightly easier to find some parts if they are not specific to the world time mechanism, since the movement is part of the 72/74 family used in Seven Star V2, Custom V2 and Leopard models.

Hi Stephen – Thank you for the fast reply – forgive me if I use the wrong terminology but this watch has two crowns the lower works the hands and the upper crown ( what is the upper crowns function? ) is intact but it looks like it is missing or has a broken pin – I had a third generation watch repair man look at it and he simple said he could not find the part – plus he would not tell me what part I needed – But I like what you said about possibly using parts from a similar model – I appreciate any information you can help me with – is it possible to contact you by phone?
Thanks – Scott

Hi Berni, valuing old watches is always tricky. My advice is usually to search the internet, especially completed sales on eBay to see what the same model has sold for previously. Vintage Citizens are not as popular as some other makes for collectors, and ladies’ watches don’t seem to be collected at all. It also depends on the models you have, if you have a rare piece, and / or maybe a chronograph, or a diver for example then it will be of more interest. Although I avoid suggesting values, if you let me know what models you have I could at least tell you if it’s one that would be of interest to collectors.

My name is Paul. I have acquired a nice Citizen watch and would like to know more about it…I did a basic search and found you…Hopefully you can help….It is serial # 90810557 other numbers or letters on the watch are… 4-310055Y PARAWATER 5.5.

Hi Paul, thanks for visiting my blog – I’m afraid only I am allowed to post images directly, so I grabbed the one you linked to in your first comment:

You have a nice hand winding alarm, with date, from August 1969. This date is determined from the first three digits of the serial number (90810557). The 21 jewel 3100 movement was first produced in 1964 and into the 1970s. Since yours is marked ‘parawater’ (Citizen’s version of water proof) the watch is no later than about 1973 when ‘water resistant’ had to be used, so we can pin it down to 1968. The movement in these was originally a Swiss design, and it was also used later in Russian ‘Poljot’ watches. Some more information can be found in my post on my example, a ‘V2’ sports model from the early 1970s: https://sweep-hand.org/2012/06/08/this-weeks-featured-watch-34-the-custom-v2-alarm-date/

Thanks SO much for replying so quickly and offering this good info about my watch. I really love how it functions and keeps very good time. And it pretty cool to know that it was made the same year I was born! Which makes it even more likable! I did order another band for the watch since the one currently on it seems to be a replacement “flex” band marked “Twiston”. Would you have any idea what the original band may have looked like and what this watch may be worth. Again, thank you very much for the info, its greatly appreciated!

You’re welcome Paul. Great to hear you have a watch from your birth year 🙂

I’m afraid I don’t have a pic of the original band – this image one is from a Japanese ‘museum’ book showing your model and just the end links of a bracelet (this one has a red second hand, which was an alternative to the one you have):

Hi Paul – sorry I forgot you’d also asked about value. To be honest I avoid trying to give valuations having seen prices vary, sometimes inexplicably! If you search eBay to include completed listings you can get some idea. Here’s the item number of a recent example (not your model though): 390628850799

Thank you very much Stephen! I certainly am not interested in selling the watch since it has sentimental value to me…I was just curious to a ballpark figure of what the watch might be worth. I understand, however, your reasoning. I did some searching on ebay and google and have not found anything quite exact…some similar but not really exact. Do you have any idea what it may have retailed for when it was new? Again, sorry to bombard with questions, but my curiosity for this piece is really interested! G’Day

Hi Paul – the same model as yours does come up from time to time on eBay, but of course when you need to see one, there’s none around!

I haven’t got an original retail price for your model, but as a guide, in 1971, the basic alarm models were retailing at around Yen10,000. A black coated V2 model, like mine, was Yen13,500. Yours would be more like the V2 in price. According to Google, in 1970 the dollar was worth 360 yen. So if yours retailed then at, say, Yen13,500 it equated to $37.5. This would give an equivalent modern day value of between $172 and $566, according to this calculator: http://www.measuringworth.com/uscompare/relativevalue.php

Hi Ciaran, thanks for visiting my blog. I will do a fuller reply later, with some pics of my watch (your question has made me realise that I haven’t done any of this model other than the group shot in the link you provided) but in the meantime could you tell me what the serial number is on your watch (it’s the 8 digit number on the case back).

Unfortunately my watch is in the shop for probably the only service its ever had. So I won’t have it back for a couple more weeks. but from memory the case back had the markings “parawater”,”star”, “ACSS 2923-Y” in a ring with the crystal seven symbol and serial number in the middle. As for the serial number I’ll have to get back to you on that and send you some photos if possible.

Great blog by the way I think its sparked an obsession with vintage Citizen watches.

It’s great to hear that you have inherited your grandfather’s watch. The Crystal Seven models were introduced in 1965, using the ’52’ movement. Other models used this movement too (see the 52 Family Tree: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/stephen.netherwood/520%20Crystal%20Seven%20Family%20Tree%20v2.pdf) but the Crystal Seven is characterised by having date and day complications, with a quick set mechanism for the date, and flat mineral glass – hence the ‘crystal’ part of the name. The ‘7’ relates to the features of the watch – I’ve not found exactly what the seven are though! They were produced up to the late 1960s, and are one of Citizens better known vintage lines, with a wide variety of models. In good condition these are very nice, reliable and accurate movements running at a standard 18,000 beats per hour – after yours is serviced it’s likely to be running very well. Parts are not available other than from a donor watch, so hopefully yours doesn’t need anything more than a service.

There were ‘Custom’ models as well, which were of a more modern design (for that era) with higher jewel counts so were more expensive – although yours is not a Custom, it is similar to some of the Custom designs. If yours is the same as mine, there is no model number. The case number is 4-520131, which indicates the movement inside, a 21 jewel version. Mine is not in very good condition although the movement is good and runs well (I think I got this in a swap for a Seiko parts catalog) – here’s the back:

It’s marked ‘parawater’ which Citizen used instead of waterproof up to the early 1970s – after that water resistant had to be used. The serial number is 9041587 – the first three digits provide the production date, so this one is from April 1969. Here’s the movement – yours may not necessarily have a black rotor:

The crown is signed, on mine it has the older style ‘C’ – yours could have this or the later ‘CTZ’ which was starting to be used at that time:

I’ve noticed that the movement is number 5270 on mine – I’m interested to know if yours is the same – if so I need to amend the Family Tree slightly since I’ve only referred to this being used in the Seven Star models:

Value is a difficult area, so I avoid giving valuations! So much depends on condition / location etc, and demand for vintage Citizens is limited. Even in excellent condition the value would not be particularly high – my usual advice is to search eBay and look for completed listings to get some idea.

I have finally after got my watch back from being serviced and it is looking good as new.
The movement is the same as yours (5720) however my case back is different. The markings on the case back are “Crystal seven” “automatic” “80201249” “GN” in the centre along with “DN 21-4-71 MC” inscribed by hand between automatic and the serial number. The markings “Parawater” “Star” “S.S” and “ACSS 2932-Y” are in a circle around the outside. The number on the face is japan 6- 521274-K. I’m not sure if these numbers are of any use to you but i hope this information helps you with your family tree.

Hi Ciaran – good to hear you’ve got the watch back. It looks very nice, and thanks for giving permission to use your pics, much appreciated. The ‘DN 21-4-71 MC’ engraving is interesting. I think that is a watch repairer’s mark, probably from when the watch was serviced in 1971. I remember reading something about this practice which is somewhat frowned upon since it’s on the outside of the case. Mostly a mark is made inside the case back.

As you mention yours has a different style of case back from mine – yours has the older style case / model number whilst mine has the later case number. I have got an original case parts manual from the late 1960s which tells me that your model number – 2932 – would have the alternative case number of 4-520092 or 4-521021. So mine has the wrong case back since it’s stamped 4-520131 which goes with model number 2912. I think it’s mine that is wrong rather than yours, since you know the history of yours, and it’s got that service mark from 1971.

You may know some of this already, so sorry if that’s the case. Here’s what the markings on the back tell us:

6501 – this is the movement number (if you can get the back off you should find this number stamped near the balance wheel). The 6500/6501 movements are the day and date versions of the 6000 movement series. The 6000/6001 are the date only versions. They were first produced in 1971 and had only a short production run since the quartz movements became Citizen’s primary focus in the mid 1970s and they significantly reduced their range of mechanical watches from that point on.4-651171 – this is the case number and would have been used by watch makers when servicing / repairing, it also indicates the movement used61-6231 – this is the model number. Not as useful as the case number since it doesn’t indicate the movement inside3092121293 – this is the serial number, and this gives us the production date. The first three digits are the key ones – the year is indicated by the first number, so this one is from 1973 since we know the 6501 was first made in 1971. I don’t believe these were made beyond the 1970s. The next two give the month – 09 – so it’s September 1973. By the way, have you typed the serial number correctly? I don’t think I’ve seen one with 10 digits before, would normally be 8 for this age of watch.

Fortunately this hand winder is actually not too tricky. Citizen also used seven digit serial numbers on some models in the late 1960s and early 1970s, so I’m sure your case back is as it should be.

What you have is one of Citizen’s export versions of their ‘Homer’ hand winding model with the 02 movement. The dial markings are typical of these, and use ‘water protected’ and ‘shockproof’ instead of ‘parawater’ and ‘parashock’ as they would have done on models sold on the Japanese domestic market. Also, it’s important to note that the term ‘unbreakable spring’ is used (rather than ‘mainspring’) – this also indicates an authentic model.

The Homer movement was first produced in 1960 and was used right through to around 1980. It was their base calibre, but is very sound and reliable and can be very accurate. The serial number gives a production date of July 1969 (I don’t think this model would have been produced as late as 1979, but it is possible).

Hi Stephen i also want to know about my citizen vintage watch date of manufacturing please its marking are
4-280342KT
90805600
71-1845
I am searching for it for a long time can you tell something on this your help is higly apreciated

Hi and thanks for visiting my blog. Your watch is an 8200 auto and this movement was made for over 30 years, starting from around 1976. Yours could be from August 1979, but the use of the 4-28xxxx case number may indicate 1999, since the earlier ones are usually 4-82xxxx. Here’s more info on this movement and its history: https://sweep-hand.org/2013/01/27/the-8200-movement-citizens-standard-auto/ Stephen

Your watch is an automatic, using the 8200 movement which Citizen first made around 1975. This became Citizen’s workhorse automatic and has been developed and used ever since. It runs at 21,600 beats per hour and can be hand wound. They are often seen with the ‘Eagle 7’ logo on the dial, but I don’t think yours has that. 71-2116 is the model number, 4-280695 is the case number, and 00402290 is the serial number. This last number gives us the production date – it couldn’t be earlier than 1975, so I reckon that yours was made on April, 1980 (from the first three digits in the serial number – 004).

Hi sweephand, thank you very much. Im really appreciate the information that u had provided to me. Thank you. Like what u said, are right. That watch that I saw didnt have the “Eagle 7” logo. For your information, im from the country named Malaysia. But why that watch doesnt had the logo? I had done online checking all the way to find the infomation but didnt found anything except the picture only. Is it because that watch were for the malaysia version? Thank.

Hi John, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid I can’t help very much with your watches since they are quartz models that are more recent than the vintage mechanical pieces I am familiar with. The first one has a 3220 quartz movement and ‘YP’ means that it is a gold tone watch, either from 1990 or 2000 (from the serial number). I think 1990 is most likely. The other one has the 3920 movement and is a higher grade watch, in the Noblia line with an 18 carat gold case. Again that one is either from 1990 or 2000.

Here are technical guides for the two movements (not dated I’m afraid):

Dear Stephen,
I was recently given a Citizen ‘Promaster’. However, I have not been able to track down the specific model. Could you help me, please? The details on the back of the watch are:
8200-824784 K GN-4-S and I think that the serial number is 7D0199
Thanking you,
Vishal

Hi Vishal,
I’m afraid I can’t help much with your question. The Promaster range is more recent than what I am familiar with and have researched. Is yours a diver’s watch? If so it could be one of the NY2300 models. Sorry I can’t be of more help – I googled ‘Citizen 8200-824784’, but that gave no results.

Hi Chrystian – thanks for your comment. Sounds like good advice 🙂 I have contacted Citizen a few times about their vintage watches, but have had no replies! Hopefully they can help with more recent models.

Can u help me to identify this model type and the year this model being make…http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/6/5/8/4/5/1/webimg/655441869_tp.jpg
At the back case i see this number 4-180615, 63-1019 and 9087000..
I got it from my father. So i want to know more about it.

Hi Saiful – just realised you have provided the case back details in this comment 🙂 When I saw your two comments I thought they were about two different watches! The case number – 4-180615 – confirms this has a Homer movement (1800). The model number – 63-1019 – is typical of late 1960s / early 1970s watches, and the serial number – 9087000 – gives a production date of August 1969.

The hand wound movement runs at 18,000 beats per hour which was the standard rate for many years for this grade of watch. The Homer family of movements are very sound and reliable when in good condition, and were had the longest production run of Citizen’s hand winders.

Can you confirm whether or not your father’s watch has ‘Newmaster’ on the dial? It is great to hear that you have the watch and it has stayed in the family – although it is not a valuable watch, it must have great personal value to you.

Hi Saiful, thanks for visiting my blog. The watch in that link looks like a ‘Newmaster’ from around 1970. ‘Newmaster was used on watches with several different movements, but by 1970 they used Homer movements. Since this has got a date window it probably has the Homer 18xx movement. This was first produced in 1962 through to about 1975. A picture of the back would help us be certain of course 🙂

thanks for the pics, and confirmation that is marked ‘Newmaster’ – that’s very helpful since I haven’t included this model for the 1800 movement in my movement table and 02 ‘Family Tree’. If it doesn’t need any parts, a service shouldn’t be too expensive.

Hi Igor, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid I can’t help very much with relatively recent quartz watches. I’ve had a quick look at images of some other models using the 1032 movement (your watch model number is 1032-R30151) and it looks like these were made in the 1990s at the earliest. The serial number, 140380, suggests production was in 1991 or 2001.

Thank you so much for the info. The watch looks like this: http://marchelloandco.com/AR3010-65E-Citizen ,but it’s more clean inside…flat…very minimalistic and i got it from my late father. I’m planing to wear it with a nato strap like… Daniel Welington. Watch is acurate and alive 🙂

Hi Tarant, thanks for visiting my blog. Although I can’t find the exact same model as yours, I have found something close. It seems you have a fairly recent eco-drive (solar powered) watch with radio wave correction for exact timing. Not quite in my vintage area 🙂 Here’s the link to the similar model: http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/brandshop-kuraya/item/10007382/

Your watch is one of the ‘Eagle 7’ models, using the 8200 automatic movement that was first produced around 1975. As far as I know the Eagle 7’s were first produced in the 1980s, and not before 1980, and the six digit serial number (974855) is also consistent with that. So it looks like yours was made in July 1989, got from the first two digits of the serial number(‘97‘)

Hi Stephen…..I’ve no idea how to start a new request so I’ve trawled back and dug this one out…..anyway I’ve aquired a new to me citizen….it’s a white faced citizen automatic 21 jewels with day date feature,.printed on the dial …
p-japan 8200 827 195-k
on the rear case 4-281004 KT
406j5024
71-2612
it is on what appears to be the original strap,what age do you think this would be? And do the rear markings correspond with the actual watch?
my reason for asking is this watch was very cheap….less than £10,but is in an unrestored condition….I have nothing to lose but iam curious as to its authenticity.
Thanks in advance
Dean
ps….would love some advice as to how to start a new post 🙂

Hi Stephen,thanks as always for your reply….the watch is simular to the watch in the link,it is however without the Eagle 7 logo….this could be missing,also the 12,6,3 and 9 indices are offset, the 12 and 6 are lower and the 3 and 9 are further in….the indices form an octagon shape,as opposed to a round the edge of the dial shape
hope that makes sense.
Dean

I’ve recently acquired a citizens watch and I’ve been profusely searching to find information and date so I can them determine its value. The information on the back reads:
Citizen Watchco.(one word)
Water resist
Base metal ssg
5500-k06461 ckw
921873
Gn-4-s ->10
Mov’t Japan

The front says:
Citizen
Quartz
Wr100
It shows the day on it but is in Spanish. The outer rim overlay has numbers going all around from 10 to 50 in increments of ten and little line notches between each one with also an arrow at the top.

If you would like a picture, I’d be more than happy to provide you with one.

I thank you very much for any information you can provide me with and for your time and knowledge.

Hi Katie, thanks for visiting my blog. Thanks as well for all the information from your watch. I’m not so familiar with Citizen’s quartz models, but the information you’ve given tells us that the watch model number is 5500-k06461, and uses the 5500 quartz module. I’ve found images of this model and it looks to me like it’s from the late 1980s / early 1990s, so, from the first two digits in the serial number (921873) I’d say it’s from February 1989 – although it could possibly be 1999.

I’m afraid quartz watches of this type and age don’t have much value, if you Google ‘Citizen 5500-k06461’ you should find one or two that have been sold and what they went for.

Hi Stephen,
After searching and searching the internet I found your blog. Back in 1999 (when I got married) I gave my husband a simple Citizen silver watch with a blue dial. He lost the watch within a month. I have been looking for the watch everywhere but cannot find it. Do you have any idea which watch it could be.? I want to buy it and gift it to him this January when it is our anniversary.

Hi Rizwana, thanks for visiting my blog. What a shame your husband lost the watch, and although it’s great that you are looking for a replacement I think it is like looking for a ‘needle in a haystack’ – Citizen has made many thousands of different models, especially once they developed quartz technology and the price reduced to allow mass production. My knowledge is mostly about the vintage mechanical models produced well before 1980 so I don’t have the reference material for later than that. The best thing to help would be if you have the original papers for the watch.

Hi there, I just noticed your blog and you seem very knowledgeable about citizen watches. I cannot find the model number anywhere for this watch! All I know is, that it’s an older watch, the caliber number is 6800, so it has four knobs to set the time. The full number is 6800-G80027 TA.
Japan->9. It is also water resistant. On the front side, it has gold hands, black dial background, and the 12 numbers are in roman numeral. It also has a dual alarm and a calendar. This is my grandfathers watch that my father passed down to me, and I just want to know the model number, and what year it was maybe made in. I’m not sure how to post a photo, but I can certainly provide you with one if you can help out! Also, on the back, it says Citizen Intellectus et foritudo.

Hi Mitchell, thanks for visiting my blog 🙂 Although I’m not so familiar with Citizen’s quartz models, I can give you some info about yours. The model number is a later type which is not like the earlier ones – the number you have given is in fact the model number: 6800-G80027TA, and it is from the ‘Intellectus et Fortitudo’ (Latin for understanding & strength I think) which were made in the 1990s as far as I know. A quick search for that model comes up with very little but I did find this image – is this like yours:

The quartz movement is the 6800, with alarm, dual time and timer functions. Here’s a link to the technical manual if you need info on setting it and its functions:

Stephen,
You found the exact watch I spent hours trying to find online, where did you find that image? Great work, and yes, I can provide with a serial number, however the numbers are a little hard for me to read because it seems as if it’s slightly worn near the third number, but my best guess for it is, 008126!

Hi Gary – email just sent in reply to your question via the enquiry form. I avoid getting into estimating value, but I can say that generally quartz models in particular have little worth, unless they are the very early ones. Stephen

Gday Stephen
ive had my fathers watch since he passed away in 1989 but i cant seem to much on it
i was hoping u could help me figure this out as ive gone through ya blog as it keeps coming up in my searches 🙂

the watch itself is stainless with a white face says Citizen Quartz Seven .. with day and date … (days are in 2 languages )

Hi Rob, thanks for visiting my blog. My PC is out of commission for a few days so I haven’t got access to my reference material, but I know that the Quartz Seven was introduced around 1980, and is interesting since it was the first watch from Citizen to use a lithium battery with an 8 year life. Previous to that batteries lasted only a year or so. I’ll see if I can get more info in a few days time.
Stephen

Hi Rob, now I’m back at my PC I have to correct what I said before – I have checked the early quartz models and the one I referred to was in fact the Seven Star model (i.e. not just ‘Seven’). They had a different movement and used a lithium battery. Your father’s watch is a ‘Seven’ and has the 2100 movement in it which uses a silver oxide battery with a life of approximately 2 years. Apologies for the confusion – I am not so familiar with the quartz models as the earlier mechanical models. I’m not sure when the 2100 movements were produced and there is not much info available on them – yours could still be 1982, but it could also be from 1992. Here’s a technical guide to the movement for your information:

Hi Rob, you’re welcome 🙂 The year is the first digit of the serial number, which is ‘2’. So it looks like yours is from 1982. The next two numbers give the month – ’04’ so it’s April of that year. The problem with dating watches is you have to know the decade in which the watch was made.
Stephen

Hi Leon, thanks for visiting my blog. I believe your watch is a quartz ‘Seven’. Although I am not too familiar with the quartz models, you might see that ‘Rob’ has recently asked about one of these which dates from the early 1980s. The serial number on yours gives a production date of May, 1981 – it could possibly be 1991 but I don’t know if they were still made then so 1981 seems most likely.

Hi, I have a gold coloured quartz citizen watch on a necklace chain given to me some years ago. Can’t find any info at all regarding age, value etc. wondering if you can help – no’s on case are 4-833066 KI and 1020627.
Thank you

Hi Rachel, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid it’s going to be very difficult to find information on your watch, since Citizen have made many thousands of different models over the years, especially once quartz movements were mass produced. Is there any other information on the back of the watch? The case number you’ve given (4-833066) doesn’t get any results in my searches. The serial number (1020627) tells us it was made in February of 1981 or 1991 – I doubt that it is as late as 2001 if you were given it some time ago. I try to avoid trying to give valuations, since there are so many variable which affect value, but I’m afraid it’s likely that your watch has no great value (unless it’s a solid gold model of course). Collectors tend to go for older mechanical men’s watches, and some of the very early and rare quartz models.
Stephen

Rachel says:
January 13, 2014 at 22:25
Thanks stephen, for taking the time to reply to me. Dates given make sense and am guessing 1981 would be the year of production as I was born 1980 and I remember the watch always being around. Think it was bought in Germany as I was a Royal Airforce baby and we based there. Value isn’t important as was bought for me by my late grandad, just wondering if unusual/rarer piece for it’s year as on a chain and haven’t seen anything similar on Google. Not sure if gold, no hallmarks so guess not.Serial no on dial is 8300-834337-K along with info on case already given of 4-833066 KI 1020627 japan A.G.P thanks Stephen, promise not to bug you anymore

Hi,
Excellent blog, very interesting. I have recently acquired an older citizen watch and would like to know more about it.
the back has the following details:
Citizen Watch Co.
4-164067SMT
60723704
71-0024
Japan
GP
Around the outside of the back is inscripted: Base metal top, Stainless Steel back, waterresistant.
It has a gold coloured face and marked 21 jewels, Day & Date window with a seconds hand. The day indicator also has what looks like french marked on the dial.

If you are able to shed some information about this watches origins, that would be very much appreicated.
Regards,
Terry

Hi Terry, thanks for visiting my blog and for your comments. You have an automatic watch with the 8200 movement in it, with 21 jewels – it runs at 21,600 beats per hour and can be hand wound. The 8200 was introduced around 1975 and has been produced and developed ever since – it became Citizen’s base auto movement and was later used in the ‘Eagle 7’ models. However, yours is an early example so I presume from your description that it doesn’t have the ‘Eagle’ on the dial. I posted about another visitor’s example of an 8200, from 1979, here: https://sweep-hand.org/2013/01/27/the-8200-movement-citizens-standard-auto/

The info you’ve given from the watch back is:
4-164067 – the case number, used by watch makers to source correct parts and service information; SMT refers to the factory where it was made I believe, but I don’t know exactly
71-0024 – this is the model number, which again can be used to source parts
GP – tells us that the watch case is gold plated, over a base metal with a stainless steel back (screw on type I would guess)
60723704 – is the serial number, and this is where we can get the date of production. The first digit (6) refers to the year it was made, but we need to know what decade it was made in. This can be difficult with the 8200 watches since the movement has been used for over 30 years. However, I have a reference to your model in a 1977 case parts catalog, so we know it was from the 1970s. It can’t be earlier than 1975, so we can safely say it is from 1976. The next two digits (07) tell us it was made in July of that year.

Your model was made with French or Spanish day wheels, so you have the French version.

Hi Dallas, thanks for visiting my blog. It is difficult to find information on Citizen’s many quartz models. Having looked at one or two examples on the internet of watches with the 3220 movement I would think yours was made in March 1987 (or possibly 1997). The date comes from the first three digits of serial number (7031129). The case number – 3220-958144 – provides the movement information. 82-4968 is the model number but that doesn’t help very much. ‘Base Metal YP’ tells us that it is a gold tone watch.

Hi Alejo, thanks for visiting my blog. Nice to hear you have one of the black coated Challenge Timers (aka ‘bullhead” of course). These are not seen very often. The first three digits in the serial number – 70400571 – give the production date. The 8110a chronographs were first made in 1972 and since I don’t think they were made as late as 1987, yours is from April 1977.

I avoid giving opinions on value since so many things can affect it – the best way is to search eBay for listings, including completed listings, and see what similar examples are selling for. Condition and originality are very important for collectors, and plated / coated watches are usually not liked as much as stainless steel.

Hi Jessica, thanks for visiting my blog. I recently had another visitor called Dallas ask about the kind of watch you have – this is what I said: Hi Dallas, thanks for visiting my blog. It is difficult to find information on Citizen’s many quartz models. Having looked at one or two examples on the internet of watches with the 3220 movement I would think yours was made in March 1987 (or possibly 1997). The date comes from the first three digits of serial number (7031129). The case number – 3220-958144 – provides the movement information. 82-4968 is the model number but that doesn’t help very much. ‘Base Metal YP’ tells us that it is a gold tone watch.

I would think that yours is from August 1994 – I think 1984 would be too early. I’m afraid I don’t know what these retailed for at the time since I don’t have any reference material for quartz models of that period.

Hi Andy, thanks for visiting my blog. I have not got reference material for anything but the early quartz models, so my best guess is that yours is from the 1990s – June 1993 is indicated by the serial number. I’m sorry I can’t tell you more about it,

hi sweephand first time on your very good blog ,is it possible to date my late fathers citizen quartz on the back from the top is
citizen watch co. stainless steel 4-860870ta 60802737 69-1038 gn-4-s japan i have tried to date it myself but cant any serial numbers like it

Hi Bob, thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comment 🙂 Your father’s watch is one of Citizen’s early quartz models, using the 8630 7 jewel movement. Citizen first sold quartz models in 1973, and given the new technology at the time, and before mass production really took off, these were expensive watches, about twice the price of a high end watch from Citizen’s mechanical range. The model number of yours is 69-1038 and is referenced in my 1977 case parts catalog. The case number – 4-860870 – gives an indication of the movement used. The first three digits of the serial number (60802737)tell us that it was made in August 1976. Is the dial marked ‘Crystron’?

Although many hundreds if not thousands of quartz models have since been made by Citizen, these early examples are of some interest since they marked the start of a revolution in watch technology. Instead of the +/- 10 seconds per day accuracy of a decent mechanical watch, these offered +/- 10 seconds per month.

thanks for that stephen it is very interesting to know the history of my watch, yes it does have crystron just under the logo,i must tell you that it looks just as good today as it did when my late father was wearing it. as my late mother bought it for him as a present and i know that she did not buy cheap things, would it be alright if you could give me some sort of valuation I still wear the watch everyday as it looks so good
yours bob

Hi Bob – sorry for late response (I did one already but it didn’t appear, mustn’t have hit the right button!). Anyway, good to hear your watch is looking and running good. I’m afraid that there’s not a lot of interest in these early quartz models, other than the very top end like the ‘4 Mega Quartz’. I can only suggest you search eBay, including completed listings, to see what similar models have sold for – ‘Vintage Citizen Crystron’ should find something.

Hi sweephand , I’m trying to replace the glass on my citizen watch . The local jeweller says my watch isn’t worth repairing, but it’s got a lot of sentimental value so I’m keen to try to get it sorted. I bought it while I was on holiday in the Bahama in 1979. The info on the back of the watch is, 4 -713014 Y then 91100195 then lower down it has 44-7161 and SF -1 – U then Japan GP. From memory I think I paid about 100 dollars for it. I’ve no interest in it’s value only about any tips or advice about repairing it. It’ been a fantastic watch that been in weekly use… Thanks in anticipation

Hi Nick, thanks for visiting my blog. It’s great to hear that you have had your 1979 watch from new and have worn it week in week out 🙂 I’m afraid I don’t have very much information on Citizen’s quartz models. Yours is quite an early one – is the dial marked ‘Crystron’? I can’t find anything on your model (44-7161) or case number (4-713014) unfortunately, so I can’t find the part number for the glass. The case type code (SF-1) tells me it’s a square or rectangular watch – is that correct? Given that shape I don’t know whether you can get a new replacement glass that would fit. How bad is the old glass?

Thanks for reply Stephen it ‘s much appreciated, unfortunately the watch doesn’t have any other markings. The face is square with chopped off corners. I actually wrote one of the pieces of info down wrongly the case number is 4-712013 Y . The glass is pretty much shattered sadly. I’m going to persist to see if I can get a specialist to make me one up. Really interesting blog

Hi Nick – thanks for the case number correction 🙂 The part number for the crystal is 54-76730. I’ve checked on Yahoo Japan, where old crystals can be found, but this one is not on there at the moment. Watch repairers can get this shape of glass I believe, which are roughly finished so they can be filed to fit if they are a little over-sized.

Stephen,
I writing you because you obviously know your stuff. Im new in the watch collection world and found a Citizen Intellectus et Fortitudo Id like to get more info on.

The front has a white face, with 5 dials including the main minute and hour dial. it has what looks like an image of Japan it at well. The back of the case says Intellectus et Fortitudo around a crowned staff with snakes wrapped around it. It is in excellent condition with the original strap. Works and functions perfectly.

Hi James, thanks for visiting my blog. The Intellectus et Fortitudo range looks to be a very impressive quartz model, with a variety of functions. They are not as early as 1971 though – that date would precede even the earliest of quartz watches. In fact these are from the 1990s, and were launched in 1990 (known initially as the ‘Avalon’ model in Japan) using a couple of variations of the 67xx and 68xx movements. From your information, yours was made in March 1991. As can be seen from the model number (6720-G70340) yours uses the 6720 movement – here is a technical manual for it: http://www.thewatchsite.com/files/Citizen%20Technical%20Manuals/6720.pdf

Looks like you’ll have lots of fun exploring all the things this one can do! 🙂

Hi James – I’ve had a look at a few examples on line, but I can’t see what it’s a map of – or even if it’s just a map-like design. I can’t find any info about the dial unfortunately. It’s described as almost holographic so it may be clearer when you get it and view from different angles. There are lines to be seen on the dial, as in a globe, at least on the black versions. Logically the map would be of a polar region, but I can’t see how it fits either North or South – see this example: http://cda.chronomania.net/forum_entry.php?id=67849

Sweephand, I have a new question about a sweephand citizen I recently found. I need some info about the age and value now. This watch another art deco .watch,and some 14K jewelry were barred in a zip-lock bag probable for at least 20 years. when the Citizen was removed and rotated several tine the sweephand moved watch was set and keeps perfect time. Watch info from back,
Citizen Watch Co., Water Resistance, $-R35264 RC, 100691, GN $W S, Front dial is Black, with fold slashes no numbers , hands glow ,sweephand , Citizen, Automatic, 21 jewelers.
When wear the watch a small amount of water spears on the f, when we open the cease we will have it dried.

Hi Ken, thanks for clarifying the markings. Unfortunately I still can’t get any further – can you tell me if there is a dial code? This will be a very small number printed at the bottom of the dial, probably below the 6 o’clock marker.
Stephen

Stephen,Thanks for your hard work . I would not have seen the small numbers on the dial.
the Numbers are N-8200-R96230-Y and the watch band (bracelet) has CITIZEN imprint across the narrow width of the clasp latch and on the back of the latch CITIZEN ST STEEL.. the watch has only one stem which will change the day/date and set the watch. Above the 21 jewels lettering is a gold eagle with out stretched wings and a best plate of a re eagle head.

Hi Ken, thanks for checking out the dial code, that helps a lot. Your watch is one of the ‘Eagle 7’ range, which uses the 8200 automatic movement. Although that was first made around 1975, the 8200 has been used ever since and yours is one of the later models. The style of the model number – 4-R35264 RC – is a later type, used as recently as the 2000’s. From the serial number on the back (100691)it looks like yours is either from 1991 or 2001. I’m afraid I can’t be any more specific than that.
Stephen

THANKS Stephen for a great find. I was hoping for one of Antique Road Show $$$$$$$ watches to boost our retirement fund. I am 73 and having a great time working with our church and the community. In one of the first post we told about gold bracelets one was gold worth $206.00 . Again thanks for the wonderful help on the watch.

Hello, I have a watch LesBergues Genève in gold. The watch is very original because there are two figures on.
On the back we can see : CITIZEN BASE METAL Y.P. ; 6 110 Y57682 FN; 9060222; QD9152; ASSEMBLED IN FR GERMANY.
I have tried to do some research on internet but i haven’t found any information.
I would like to know the date of manifacture and if this watch is rare, please??
i have tried to send you a picture but it doesn’t work 😦
Best regards.
Lolita

Hi Lolita, thanks for visiting my blog – I’m afraid only I am allowed to post pictures on the blog. I can email you and you can send pics to me so I can upload them. Let me know if you’re happy for me to do that, (I see visitors’ email addresses so you’ve no need to post it here). Picture would be very helpful!
Stephen

Hi Swaggy, thanks for visiting my blog. Your watch is one of the ‘Eagle 7’ models, which uses the 8200 automatic movement. This movement was first used in 1975 and Citizen has used it ever since which makes them tricky to date. From the serial number I think yours was made in December 1983 (it could possibly be 1993, but 1983 seems more likely to me). There’s more info on the 8200 here: https://sweep-hand.org/2013/01/27/the-8200-movement-citizens-standard-auto/

my father bought a citizen quartz women’s watch in the 70′s or 80′s (according to him to at an auction whose guest star was Miss World of that year). I still have it and have no idea how much it’s worth. I have no idea which one is the serial number or model number so I’m just writing everything I read on its back:
Citizen water resist base metal YP
5930-ST0794 SMW
0051309
GN O S – 5
it’s definitely vintage and it still works. I tried searching online but can’t find any info with all those numbers; all I find are pictures of what seems the same watch but no numbers match.
Please help!
Thank you

Hi and thanks for visiting my blog 🙂 Thanks as well for the information from the case back. The model number of yours is ‘5930-ST0794’ and although a Google search using that doesn’t come up with anything, this tells us that it uses the 5930 analogue quartz movement. I’m afraid I don’t have reference material for quartz models, so I have to go on how other watches with this movement have been described. Two sellers on eBay I found describe them as from 1996 and 1997. I think that this is a likely period for them, since the style of the model number is a relatively recent one. If that is correct, then the first three digits of the serial number (0051309) suggest May 1990. I know this is later than your father’s recollection of the date but do you think it could be 1990? The other case back markings relate to it being a gold tone watch, i.e. yellow plate (YP) on a base metal case. ‘GN O S-5’ is the case type.
Citizen have made a great many different quartz models and if you search for ‘Citizen 5930 quartz’ you will find other models which use that movement. Here’s a link to movement manuals, where you can find the one for the 5930 – unfortunately Citizen never put a date of publication on these: http://www.citizenwatches.com.au/instruction-manuals
Stephen

Thanks for your response and help! I tried my best to copy the numbers and letters from the back of the watch but, because they are so tiny, maybe instead of a “T” it’s the number 1 (5930-S10794). The watch is definitelly is not from the 90’s because I remember playing with it in the 80’s and my dad almost had a heart attack when he saw it on my tiny wrist (of course I was grounded). He also has a picture of him and that Miss World I mentioned before, and when I asked him about the picture he told me about how he got the watch.
I’ll check up the link and hopefully I can find something about this watch. Thank you so much!

You’re welcome 🙂 I’m sorry I haven’t got more info for you. Given your memories of it from the 1980s then it must have been from 1980. At least we know it couldn’t have been from 1970 since Citizen didn’t sell their first quartz watch until 1973!
Stephen

I received a beautiful little watch can you tell me about this one;
Oval, Citizen Quartz , base metal YP, 5920-849569 HSB, 250061, Mov’t Japan
Works fine looks like new, in fact the band next to my gold wedding ring looks exactly the same. I cannot make out the markings. I don’t want to take it to the jeweler without knowing something. I had no luck on Google. Thanks.

Hi Susan – thanks for visiting my blog 🙂 The model number of yours is ’5920-849569′ and although a Google search using that doesn’t come up with anything, this tells us that it uses the 5920 analogue quartz movement. I’m afraid I don’t have reference material for quartz models, so I have to go on how other watches with this movement have been described – there is also a 5930 movement which is another version, and I’ve just replied to another comment about that one. Two sellers on eBay I found describe these as from 1996 and 1997. I think that this is a likely period for them, since the style of the model number is a relatively recent one. If that is correct, then the first two digits of the serial number of yours (250061) suggest May 1992. The other case back markings relate to it being a gold tone watch, i.e. yellow plate (YP) on a base metal case.
Citizen have made a great many different quartz models and if you search for ‘Citizen 5920 quartz’ you will find other models which use that movement. Here’s a link to movement manuals, where you can find the one for the 5920 – unfortunately Citizen never put a date of publication on these: http://www.citizenwatches.com.au/instruction-manuals
Stephen

I have a Citizen watch that was given to me. I’m mostly curious about the year it was made. Markings on the back are:
CITIZEN WATCH CO.
BASE METAL YP
5920-S56590 HSB
714739
->6
I can’t read the # on the front as I don’t have a magnifier at the moment. Can you help me?
Thank you,
Jennifer

Hi Jennifer – thanks for visiting my blog 🙂 The model number of yours is ’5920-S56590′ and although a Google search using that doesn’t come up with anything, this tells us that it uses the 5920 analogue quartz movement. I’m afraid I don’t have reference material for quartz models, so I have to go on how other watches with this movement have been described – there is also a 5930 movement which is another version, and I’ve just replied to another comment about that one. Two sellers on eBay I found describe these as from 1996 and 1997. I think that this is a likely period for them, since the style of the model number is a relatively recent one. If that is correct, then the first two digits of the serial number of yours (714739) suggest January 1997. The other case back markings relate to it being a gold tone watch, i.e. yellow plate (YP) on a base metal case.
Citizen have made a great many different quartz models and if you search for ‘Citizen 5920 quartz’ you will find other models which use that movement. Here’s a link to movement manuals, where you can find the one for the 5920 – unfortunately Citizen never put a date of publication on these: http://www.citizenwatches.com.au/instruction-manuals
Stephen

Hi Remi, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid I don’t know the Mickey Mouse watches, but I guess that as with other children’s watches serial numbers are not used so a production date can’t be determined. Since it has just one jewel is yours a quartz model or a hand winder? I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful,

Hello Stephen.
First, much gratitude and general kudos on your informative and just plain fun Citizen blog!
You’ve done a perhaps unexpected thing…motivated me to learn how to work on basic mechanicals…Citizens in particular.

To this end I enquire about my first practice piece, a Newmaster 22 (21 J. handwinder), for which I need as close to a Technical Guide as I can get. First step is, what the heck caliber does it have?
Data from the case back (which is an opaque cipher to me):
63-1019
908-7000
4-180615

The dial and back of the movement look pretty much identical to the sample Newmaster basic in your Hand-wind Gallery (the one that’s a bit cruddy looking). I looked really hard at the movement back and and dial. There may be marks beneath the balance wheel…or not. Can’t tell.

This old guy still winds, sets and ticks…but way too fast…and the center second hand appears to have broken off with its post. So it needs work…and I’ve no idea if parts can be got to restore the second hand. As said, it’s my first mechanical…tho I’ve gotten some preliminary experience on quartz movements.

Though knowing its production date would be nice, I mainly hope for any tips on accessing a tech sheet on the movement, to help guide my learning effort.

I compliment you again, and wish you many more successes with your fantastic blog.

Hi Chuck – thanks for visiting my blog and for your very kind comments. Good to hear you are having a go at watch repairs, and glad that I’ve helped motivate you about that 🙂

Your Newmaster uses the ‘Homer’ movement, which was numbered 020 in its most basic form. Yours has a date window, so it is a 180 movement, which is indicated in the case number (4-180615). 63-1019 is the case number – not of great use these days, but I know that ’63-‘ models are hand winders with this type of movement. The first three digits in the serial number (9087000) indicates an August 1979 production date, and I have a reference to your model in the 1977 Citizen case parts guide so that date seems correct to me.

Spares are going to be very difficult to impossible to find, so I would suggest a donor movement is the likeliest way to source parts.

Here are a couple of schematics which may be of help – let me know if you want me to email them to you (I have your email address as a visitor here so no need to post it). I think you can ignore the parts in the boxes on the first diagram, which are parts for different models based on this movement:

As a neighbor says, “Holy sweet snakies!” That was fast and compendious!
Alas, the links only brought me ads and a refusal to look. If either of them has something like a blowup of the movement or an actual “tech guide,” then I’d really appreciate it as an email or PDF.

And another alas… my watch doesn’t have a date window…which helped confirm that I have a mix-n-match–movement from one, case from another. Or maybe it’s just the case back, which doesn’t want to thread properly to begin with. I’m not much help to you, I fear.

Doubtless this old fellow is worth no more than something to make mistakes on…though I hope not to. But since it runs SO FAST (about 5 minutes/hour), I’m afraid the balance assembly may be damaged. In time, I’ll know more.

Many thanks again. If mine is NOT this movement type, I don’t see how.
Beneath the balance in your photo, I see “S” and on the other side “…60” which I gather are the specific identifiers for this piece. On mine, all I can discern are “Z”…but no perceptible numbers.
At any rate, I’m very grateful and impressed with your kindness and expertise. Citizen ought to put you on payroll.

You’re welcome Chuck. As long as the movement look the same I wouldn’t worry about the markings on it. My pic is of a movement from an official Japanese rail road model, with second setting, so they may well have been marked up differently.

Hi Heather, thanks for visiting my blog. And thanks for the links 🙂 I’m afraid there is very little information available for ladies’ watches, but I can see if I can help. Do you know when your great aunt acquired the watch? And could you please let me know what markings are on the case back, they might help with this. Thanks,

Thanks for the response. I really don’t know much. When my Aunt passed away she left me everything in her house. I am just guessing but I would say she got the watch in the 70’s or 80’s. Maybe at Belks. She liked to shop there. She did like nice things and was known to buy name brand items. The back says “CITIZENS WATCH 00, Base Metal YP
(small numbers) 5930-S25350SMW (Big Numbers) 2052529” I may have been off on this a little, the writing is small : )
Thanks so much for any help you can give me : )

Your watch also has no dial markings – usually the dial would at least have been marked ‘Citizen’. The examples I’ve found are all marked Citizen and ‘quartz’, some with ‘CQ’ as well. From your pictures I can’t see for sure whether there is a winder in place – on the other examples it is very obvious. I wonder whether yours might be an after market customisation.

Thanks for the insight. It is strange that it doesn’t have citizens on the face. It only has it on the back. It does have a winder. I may have been wrong about getting it when my Aunt passed away. I graduated high school in 1992. It may have been a graduation present from her. I just can’t remember. I broke out the magnifying glass and flash light (LOL) and the numbers were correct that I listed. one of the numbers has letters after it: S25350SMW…don’t know if that means anything…And also it wasn’t 00 after Cizizens Watch. it was CO which means company I assume. I am linking a photo of the back. Just to see if you see anything unusual. Thanks for all of your help!

Hi Heather,
thanks for the additional information. ‘SMW’ after the number is, as far as I know, a factory reference so doesn’t affect the model number. I’m afraid there’s nothing in the links – could you try again?
Stephen

Hi Heather, thanks for posting that link, it works fine. The case back looks entirely correct (the arrow + 6 is where the back can be levered off by the way). So either it was a custom model or it has been changed by someone later – I’m still not sure why the dial is not marked ‘Citizen’ though. That suggests to me that it has been modified later rather than by Citizen.

Hi.I am glad to meet you.I have a citizen watch, but I can’t find any information about this watch, so.Could you help me, please?.Thanks you very much.
This is the following on the back :
Citizen Watch Co.
W.R: 10 Bar.
Titanium.
Antimag 4800.
E710-H25888 TA.
050647.
gn-4w-s.

Hi Quan, nice to meet you too 🙂 And thank you for visiting my blog. My area of knowledge is of the vintage models so I am not able to help you too much. Your watch is an Eco-drive using the E710 movement which has a perpetual calendar. I can’t find anything on your particular model (model number E710-H25888) but I have found a technical manual on the movement which may be of help: http://www.citizenwatch-global.com/support/simple_pdf/e71x.pdf

The serial number on yours (050647) suggests a production date of May 2000, and the ‘gn-4w-s’ refers to the water resistant case type.

Hi Toby, thanks for visiting my blog – I can take a look and help if I can. I’ll send you an email since you can’t post pics directly here. I have your email address since I get that whenever someone comments 🙂

hey hero!!! im so glad i so randomly came upon your website!!. im in the doubt of buying this citizen watch on ebay. ive been looking online at least a day for information on the watch and i found nothing.

Hi Boy Wonder 🙂 thanks for visiting my blog. I don’t know about ‘hero’ though! My area is mainly the older mechanical models so I’m less familiar with more recent quartz models. I’ll tell you what I know about this one. First I think it’s a genuine model – it uses the 1100 quartz movement which is identified via the model number (1100 RR52569). If you Google ‘Citizen Quartz 1100’ you will find a few other examples for sale or sold on eBay, with silver, gold and black dials. They all seem to be of the same design and are marked the same way as the one you are looking at. The coin edge bezel gives these models something of a retro look, but I’m not sure how old they are – Citizen has made many thousands of quartz models over the years and I don’t have reference material for them. I would guess this one comes from the 1990s – if so, the production date of this one, from the first three digits of the serial number (020015) indicate February 1990. Alternatively it could be 2000, but 1990 seems more likely to me. Here’s a link to a technical manual for the movement (not dated I’m afraid so it doesn’t help with the production date): http://www.thewatchsite.com/files/Citizen%20Technical%20Manuals/1110.pdf

As to the price / value, have a look at the others you can find by Googling or an eBay search – that should help you compare this one.

Hi Stephen.
My mother found a watch in her wardrobe she hasn’t looked at for about 20 – 30 years. Would you be able to tell me anything about it. The case number is 4-101456 and the serial number is 911369.
Thanks.

Hi Jordan, thanks for visiting my blog. Can you tell me what is on the dial of the watch? If possible can you read a dial code near the 6 o’clock marker – you might need a magnifier for that, but it can be very helpful in identifying the movement inside. Also are there any other marks on the case back, especially a model number in the form of 12-3456?

Thanks for the info Jordan – I can’t find any images for that model number, but the dial code suggests it has the 1000 quartz movement inside. This is a 5 jewel design first made in the 1980s as far as I can make out. The first three digits of the serial number gives the production date, so yours indicates January 1989. Sorry I can’t provide any more information, but I have little reference material on Citizen’s quartz models.

I got my Dad’s watch with me it’s a Citizen para shock 17 jewels, on back case it’s written 63-1019 & 9087000, and as per him he bought this 1972, I want to know something more about it and also the a manufacturing

Hi Ajay, thanks for visiting my blog. Your Dad’s watch uses the ‘Homer’ hand winding 1801 movement with date complication. The model number (63-1019) means that it should have ‘Newmaster’ on the dial. Although the movement was first produced in 1962, the Newmasters are from the late 1960s / early 1970s, so your father’s recollection that he bought it in 1972 fits that time frame. The serial number indicates production in August 1969.

An interesting issue about your father’s watch and others I have seen, is that these models all seem to have the same serial number. This is odd, but there is nothing to suggest they are not authentic, especially since you father remembers buying it when it was new. Do you know where he bought the watch?

Hello Stephen,
Afraid I’m back again with a request for data I can’t find elsewhere–namely, where can I obtain luminous hands to fit the 8200a movement?
I wrote earlier about a Newmaster (Homer hand-wind) that was too needy for my limited skills. A kind friend sent me a couple of newer 21J. autowind day-daters to practice on.

One of them is coming along well (so far) and may be my first actual success.
If so, I wish to install non-standard highly luminous hands (for night-time use…which is now not possible).

Dr. Ranfft’s archive indicates unexpectedly odd hand hole sizes…so I’m at a loss about where they can be sourced.

If you have a tip, I’d be much obliged

I continue to enjoy following your blog–consistently the most informative and liveliest of its kind I know of!

Hi Tim, thanks for visiting my blog 🙂 The watch you have is a relatively recent quartz model, so I can’t help you that much I’m afraid. The movement is a 5500, which is indicated by the model number (5500-R16026). GN-0-S is a code for the case type, which a watch maker would use as a guide to servicing the watch. >5 indicates the position where the case back can be levered off (i.e. the 5 o’clock position). The first three digits of the serial number (370955) give the production date, so it is either July 1993 or July 2003. I’m sorry I don’t know which it is for sure. Although the 5500 movement can be very accurate it is not one of Citizen’s high end quartz movements so I’m afraid it isn’t of great value.

Hi Mark, thanks for visiting my blog. You have a modern Eco-drive watch, an analog chronograph model. From the serial number it was probably made in 2008. If you Google the model number – H500-S055148 – you can find examples, some of which have been sold on eBay which will give you an idea of value. Value is affected by condition of course, and whether or not it is in good working order.

I continue to enjoy your blog immensely, and compliment you again for same.

I have a problem, and you’re the only person i can think of who might be able to help. A friend with rapidly failing vision asked me to re-case a very nice 8200A autowind for him. Its present case is damaged badly. He has a good case of similar design with a dead movement.

I said I’d do it for him, thinking my own success in replacing several Citizen movements (all quartz, however), as well as other brands, should give me the needed savvy.

Unfortunately…. I cannot perceive how to remove the stem on this movement. Nor can I discover online information on disassembly of the 8200 series. This, of course, poses difficulties.

I don’t mind damaging the ruined movement. But surely, there’s a trick I just can’t discern.

Hi Chuck, thanks again for your kind comments. I don’t have an 8200 movement, but based on other movements, the stem is usually removed by gently pressing a button close to the stem, for example with a very small screw driver, and pulling it out. The crown should be pulled out to the time setting position before doing this. I looked at a pic of the movement and it looks like the button may be here (at the point of the arrow):

My, what an outstanding support network you are! This tip + photo look like the logical arrangement. I don’t know how I missed seeing it. So I shall try again within the day.

And…if I have good luck with the whole project, I shall have an extra 8200 + some kind of case left over. Probably not a prize assemblage by that time–but all the same…

If I do…I offer it to you as a token of gratitude.

Let me know when convenient. It’ll take me a few days’ part-time tinkering to get to that point anyway. Who knows…a little happiness on this project might reawaken my shaky desire to work on old mechanicals. Should that happen, however, I’m pretty sure I’ll have to look again for a plain-jane Homer or the like to test my mettle on. Automatics just…scare me.

Well enough. Your kind suggestions worked perfectly. So progress, albeit halting, is happening. Without a tech guide, I can only feel my way on most things. Nevertheless, I believe I can make good on my offer in a couple of weeks. So, at some point, i’ll have to obtain a mailing address. No hurry. Age keeps me from doing much at one time…

Hi Chuck – I don’t know about whether the Homer was a predecessor of the 8200. They aren’t shown as part of the same family in the Citizen technical manual, and I’m no watch tech so I can’t tell! Here are the scans. Let me know if you want them via email – I have your email address since they are shown when a visitor comments so no need to post it.

Hello,
i found your website while i am searching for some information about my watch.
The front says Citizen Watch Water Resist 10bar (roman numbers with small gold “nuggets” over every number) it also has Day and Month. the ring is gold plated (on top of the body made out of metal)
And on the back is the following:
Citizen Watch Co.
Water Resist
Base Metal SSG
6100-G02239 Y
9100196
GN-4-S
Japan -> 10

Hi Ingo, sorry for the delay in replying to your comment, I have been on a short family holiday. Your watch is a quartz model, so I’m not so familiar with it compared to the mechanical movements. I have found one image of your model (6100-G02239) but it has a different dial based on your description: http://www.abload.de/img/bild26554kumv.jpg. I’m afraid I’m not sure when the 6100 movement was made, yours could either be from 1989 or 1999. The ‘-> 10’ marking indicates where the back can be levered off (i.e. the 10 o’clock position). Here’s a technical guide for your movement: http://www.citizenwatch.com/downloads/techguides/6100.pdf

I’ve been trying to find information on my watch online, but haven’t any luck at all. I found your blog while searching and hopefully you can help me out. I’ve got an old Citizen watch given to me in the 70’s or 80’s, forgot when exactly. I’ve tried typing in all the information on the watch but still couldn’t find anything. Any info will be a great help. Here are the info.

Here are some other additional info. The watch consist of two hands, gold finish center and brown finish elsewhere. Hopefully you can tell me which is the serial or model number too. Actually I am assuming that 4064294 is the serial number. Thanks in advance. Links or images would be great too.

Hi Rich, thanks for visiting my blog, and for providing a very comprehensive list of the information to be found on your watch 🙂

First of all, 66-1767 is the model number – unfortunately I haven’t any images / link on this particular model.
4-012763 is the case number – again I haven’t any images for this number.
The dial code is matched by the ‘0100’ on the back, and this gives us the movement type. The ’01’ part of the case number also indicates this movement. This two hand movement was used in both men’s and women’s models – if it had a second hand the movement would be ‘2500’. There were a number of versions of the 0100 movement, so you’d have to find the number stamped on the movement itself to determine exactly which one, see also page 11 of the Movement Table: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/stephen.netherwood/VintageCitizenMovementTablev6.0Secure.pdf

‘BLG’ refers to the black coated case, with gold bezel.

This movement first appeared in the mid-1970s, so with the help of the first three digits in the serial number – 4064294 – it looks like yours was made in June 1974. It could possibly be 1984, but I think 1974. I have a case parts catalog from 1977 and this lists some ’66’ models, with case numbers 4-013xxx and the 0153 movement, so Citizen was well into the later versions of the movement by then.

Wow, thanks for all that info. Much appreciated. I also believe that it is made in 1974, because I’m pretty sure it was given to me before 1984.

By the way, would you know if it might be valuable or not? I’m not planning on selling it but it is always nice to know what you have. You might not be able to give me a price but is it collectible? The watch has been unused and packed away since I’ve got it. Thanks again.

You’re welcome Rich. As to value of vintage Citizens, it’s really only the high end models, especially the rare ones, and chronographs that are of interest to most collectors so I’m afraid yours won’t be of any great value.

I know a little about Seiko 5’s, and I’m sure I know people who know them very well! Let me know what info you are after and I’ll try and get an answer.

The Seiko 5 line has been produced for over 30 year so dating them is tricky, since we need to know which decade it is from. The model number (7009-3040F) narrows this down a bit since the 7009 movement was replaced by the 7s26 in the mid-1990s. As far as I know the 7009 was introduced in the 1980s, but since it was still being used in the early 1990s yours could either be from February 1982 or February 1992 (from first two digits of the serial number, 220468). I understand that the 7009 was Seiko’s most widely used movement.

I’ll try and check out the production year for your model to see if we can narrow it down.

Hi Weko, your posts weren’t showing because I needed to ‘approve’ them. The WordPress blog software requires approval for all new comments, so sorry that you thought yours had been removed. They should all show up now 🙂

Is there anything else on the case back of your watch, particularly a serial number?

Thanks Weko – the first part of the serial number gives us the date of production, so that’s what we need 🙂 Yours was made in February 1968 (‘802’ in the serial number). The watch is a manual wind with the 02 ‘Homer’ movement. It has to be 1968 since they weren’t made in 1958 (first produced in 1960), and it would not be marked ‘parawater’ if it was made in 1978 – by then watches were marked ‘water resistant’.

Hi Stephen, My Wife has was given an old Citizen Eco watch. I’m looking for info on the watch. The numbers on the back are:
5421-K17489CK
580170
Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks! You have an amazingly thorough and interesting blog!

Hi Steve, thanks for visiting my blog and your kind comments. I’m afraid I can”t help too much with your Eco-Drive since they are much more recent than my area of knowledge. The Eco-Drives were first launched in 1995, so if yours is an old model, then the serial number (580170) suggests it was made in August 1995. Having said that, are you sure the watch is an Eco-Drive? The model number – 5421-K17489 – indicates a 5421 movement inside, and when I had a look round for that it appears to be a non solar quartz. Here’s a link to movement instruction manuals, where you can find the 5421: http://www.citizenwatches.co.nz/instruction-manuals

Hello, I have a CITIZEN watch and I am having a hard time finding out anything about it. if you could help me I would greatly appreciate it. the back says: CITIZEN
WATCH CO
BASE METAL TOP
4-151 216 FC
86-2282
6070901

Thank you for visiting my blog. Your watch is from the 1970s, and I believe it is a woman’s hand winding watch with a 17 jewel 0153 movement inside. The model (86-2282) is listed in the 1977 watch parts catalog so I can be sure that the information I’m giving is correct. The ‘base metal top’ inscription suggests it looks like stainless steel, but is probably a nickel alloy. Does it have a white dial? The catalog listing suggests it does if I understand the coding correctly. 4-151216 is the case number and the ‘151’ helps to identify the movement used. 6070901 is the serial number and the first three digits give the production date – we know it was made in the 1970s so this tells us that it was made in July 1976.

Hi I have a citizen watch, I don’t know anything about the watch and cannot find it in the table can you help me please, its a gold watch on the back is a silver plate. On the plate : 66-3026 citizen G.P stainless back 4-330081 yo 9128586 and ons the face 21 jewels

Hi and thank you for visiting my blog 🙂 It can be hard to identify what movement is used in a particular watch, and if there is no model name on the dial then the Movement Table can’t help very much. What you have is a ladies’ watch from the 1970s. 66-3026 is the model number, and 4-330081 is the case number. The ’66’ and ‘4-33’ combination means this watch uses the hand winding 015 movement, probably 0153 in fact. The 015 is part of a family of movements numbered 0110 to 0170 and can be found on page 11 of the Movement Table. Now we know that the movement was produced in the 1970s, the first three digits in the serial number (9128586) can be used to pin down its production date, i.e. December 1979. I’m assuming from the model / case numbers that the watch has just two hands, so it will have the 015 movement – however, if it has a second hand then the movement number will be 2300 03 2340. Since yours is from 1979, i.e. later in the production run, and if it has a second hand, then it may use the later version of the movement, the 51 or 53. This link has a pic of the movement and the variations: http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&ranfft&0&2uswk&Citizen_0110

Hi Dasha, thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind words:) This what the numbers mean on the case back:
3220-322045 is the case number, which indicates that there is a 3220 quartz movement inside
32-8570 is the model number – watch makers would use these numbers when servicing or repairing watches to find the correct part numbers
Japan ->12 indicates where the case back can be levered off (i.e. at the 12 o’clock position)
606382 is the serial number and the first three digits indicate the production date. However we need to know which decade the movement was used in. I’m not so familiar with the quartz models, but I think this is from the 1990s, so if that’s correct yours is from June, 1996.

Hi Stephen, my name is Francisco from Argentina. Congratulations on your blog, is very interesting. I buy a watch citizen 17 jewels shock proof, on the back cover says 20 microns STAR STAINLESS STEEL BACK CGP H0150801
60904363 within the clock says HOMER, would you kindly give me some information on my watch. Thank you very much.
greetings

Hi, thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind words 🙂 You have a gold plated hand winder with the ‘Homer’ movement. If it has no date window then it will be the ’02’ movement which was first made in 1960. HO150801 is the case/model number, which would help a watch maker find parts etc. The first three digits of the serial number (60904363) give a production date of September 1966. Is the watch marked waterproof or parawater? If it’s ‘waterproof’ then it’s likely to be an export model.

good day sweephand.
i’v been browsing the internet to find some answers to my query and thanks a link that direct me to your very informative and interesting blog and i knew from the very 1st time i read your articles, you are the one who could enlighten my dark query about my Citizen watch it says at the back; Water Resist ST. Steel, 4-r17227 RC, 4N0028 AND GN-4W-S.

Hi Jhong, thank you for visiting my blog. From the case back information, it looks like you have an ‘Eagle 7’ automatic watch. This uses the 8200 movement that Citizen first made around 1975. They used this movement for over 30 years, so it is difficult to pin down the production date. The style of the model and serial numbers suggest to me that it one of the later models, so I would think it’s from November 1994 (from the first two digits in the serial number 4N0028).

Hey, I see you have helped a lot of people, so I hope you will be able to do so for me as well 😀 I bougth a citizen watch on a flea market, it looks pretty cool, but I can’t find anything like it online…It seems genuine, but as I sead, nothing online so far. Here are the details form the back case, I’ll write them all down, since I have no clue which info is important 😛

Hi H, thanks for visiting my blog. My area of expertise is Citizen’s older mechanical watches, so I can’t help too much I’m afraid. Your Citizen watch is an ‘Elegance’ model I think, and is most likely from the 1990s. The serial number indicates production in April 1991. Not of any great value I’m afraid, since it is a gold tone watch – solid gold would be different 😉

Sorry, but I can’t help at all with your Omega – try and internet search, I’m sure you’ll find lots of info.

Hi Asri, thanks for visiting my blog. Your watch uses the 8200 automatic movement which Citizen first made around 1975, and has used and developed it ever since. So dating it can be difficult. Does the dial have the ‘Eagle 7’ logo on it? If so it will probably be from September 1991. If not, it may be from September 1981. I avoid trying to do valuations, but I can say that these models are not of any great value, although in good condition the movement is a sound and reliable one.,

Hi Asri – as I explained it can be difficult to date watches which use the 8200 movement because it was in production for over 30 years. The serial number starts with ‘109’ so it was made in September of either 1981 or 1991. It can’t be 1971 because the 8200 automatics were not made then – they were first made around 1975. So it looks like yours is from 1981, since you can remember your grandfather owning it for a long time.

I have recently got a watch from my Father-in-Law, with the following marking:
CITIZEN
0100
4-012747 S
STAINLESS STEEL
4010252
66-1511
This is a rectangular watch (21 Jewels).
Can you please identify this watch for me?

Hi Ravinder, thanks for visiting my blog. Thank you also for all the information from the watch back. This tells us that the watch has the 0100 21 jewel hand winding movement inside, which is a two hand version (i.e. no second hand). The movement is a compact design and was used in both men’s and women’s watches. The case number – 4-012747 – confirms the movement used, whilst the model number – 66-1511 – is also a guide since ’66’ models used these movements. The 0100 (and 0200 three hand versions) were made in the mid-1970s, and the first three digits in the serial number (4010252) give us an exact production date of January 1974.

Thanks for your detailed and prompt reply Stephen.
How would you rate this watch in terms of its vintage value and uniqueness in view of its two hand version.
Further, my watch has its original bracelet replaced with some other one. can I get to know from where I can get an original one particular to this model?
Also, could you please enlighten me about the name of this particular model (If any) to search it on internet?
Regards!
Ravinder

You’re welcome Ravinder 🙂 As far as I know there is no model name for this watch, and although generally I avoid giving opinions on value, I’m afraid these don’t have any great value since they are not particularly ‘collectable’. It will be very difficult to find an original bracelet – it may be possible to find one that is similar in style, or you might be able to find the same model for sale on eBay. I found this completed sale, using ‘Citizen’ and the case number (4-012747) as the search. Is this like yours?: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Old-Stock-Vintage-Retro-Square-CITIZEN-Hand-Winding-Watch-21J-Men-039-s-Run-/221263952022

Hi Stephen!
I have found a Citizen watch at my parents’ house and I can’t seem yo find any information about it online. The information on the back is:
CITIZEN WATCH CO.
WATER RESIST
STAINLESS
4-039181 HST
518927
GN-4-S

I would like to know the year it was made, but any other information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!

Hi Oana, thank you for visiting my blog. From the case number (4-039181) I believe you have an ‘Eagle 7’ model, which uses the 8200A automatic movement first produced around 1975. ‘GN-4-S’ is the case type, and indicates a water resistant crystal (glass) and screw on case back. The eagle 7 models were introduced in the 1980s and the first two digits of the serial number (518927) provide the year of production, which is January 1985.

Hi Stephen, I have a Citizen Gold Watch – Eco Drive, given to me by my grandmother. t has a number on the back 63 10 28
It is working but does not keep time, could this be because it has not seen the light of day for a long time or do I eed to get it looked at please?
I love its simple art decor look and would very much to wear it.
thanks
Cassandra

Hi Cassandra, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m not an expert on the eco-drive models since they are modern movements. I understand that if the power is low the second hand will jump two seconds at a time. If it is running slow or erratically, it may need a service. It’s probably best to ensure that the battery is fully charged, and then see how it runs. Here’s a little guide about the eco-drives:http://www.citizenwatch.com/eco-sig/faq-category/eco-drive/

Hi ,
I have recently received a watch that my grandfather gave to me and would like to know more about it the numbers on the back show
380F 898435 SMT and 6 0 3 2 3 9 11
If possible I would like to know today’s value also , thanks in advance

Hi Val, thank you for visiting my blog and for the information about your watch. I’m afraid I’m not going to be too much help since my area is mainly the older mechanical watches. Your watch is a quartz model (model number is 35-8347) and the case number (3801-898435) gives us the movement – 3801. The other markings relate to the case material – ‘BASE METAL’ is plated with gold tone plating (YP = Yellow Plate), and the case type – GN-4W-S – is typical of a water resistant case and crystal with screw down case back. The serial number – 60323911 – helps to date a watch, but we need to know which decade the watch was made in. And I’m struggling to find out exactly when the 3801 was produced. From comments on a couple of forums and eBay sales, my best guess is the 1990s, which would give a production date of March 1996 for yours (from the first 3 digits in the serial number).

I try to resist offering opinions on value since that could invite too many valuation requests on the blog, but I can say that I’m afraid your watch is of no great value these days. There have been so many quartz models produced and manufacturing costs are so low that there is little interest in them unless they are very early and/or very rare examples. You should be able to find some examples that have been sold or are offered for sale by Googling ‘Citizen 3801 Quartz’

Hi Stephen, thank for offering such valuable advice to watch owners. I’m sure it’s well appreciate it.
I have been given a Citizen Automatic Stainless Steel Shockproof and Waterproof mens watch with Case numbers B52805 & 8091286 with dial numbers 1054-1y near the 6.
I have search the net but am only confused. Any help you can give about my new old watch would be fantastic. Many thanks.
Regards wine4t

Hi wine4t, thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comment. Although I don’t own one, I do know the watch you have. It is an export model which is why it has the more unusual model / case number of B52805 rather than the more typical type of case back markings (i.e . model number like 12-1234 and case number like 4-123456). It’s also marked ‘waterproof’ and ‘shockproof’, rather than ‘parawater’ and ‘parashock’, which also indicate an export model. Here’s a pic from the internet of another example, which had the same dial code as yours, but is marked ‘parashock’. Is yours the same/similar?:

Since the case is marked ‘proof’ rather than ‘resistant’ then it is older than the early 1970s – the first three digits of the serial number (8091286) give us a production date of September 1968. I sourced a replacement crystal for a guy in Hawaii who owns the one in the pic, and he told me that the movement in it is a 5430, which is correct for a date only movement with a swinging weight rotor from the mid to late 1960s. They run at 18000 beats per hour, and are nice movements.

Many thanks Stephen, that certainly is the watch that I have. I really appreciate your help. It seems keep good time but stops overnight when I take it off. How long would you expect it to run without movement?
Mark (wine4t)

Hi Mark, you’re welcome 🙂 When a watch is otherwise running ok I understand that a reduced power reserve can simply indicate the need for a service. When new your watch would have a typical power reserve of about 40 hours, and a vintage watch in good condition can still achieve that or close to it, especially if serviced correctly.

Hi Stephen,
firstly I would like to congratulate you on an excellent webpage. Very well produced and good easy to follow info. Using some of the info you have given i have attempted to learn ore about a watch I recently bought for £15. I bought it because i loved the unusual look of it. It is a citizen 21 jewel eagle 7 bilingual date calnder. the face is golden coloured in sort of two toned diamond shapes (if that makes sense)
the back reads as follows:
Citizen Watch Co
Water resist
Stainless
4-039254 smk
90303460
Japan

so what i have hopefully learnt is that it dates from after 1970’s as it says resist rather that resistant?
the movement that eagle 7 used is the 8200 which was produced in the 1980’s onwards?
and finanlly the watch was made in the 9th year and 3rd month?
so March 1989?

Hi Chris, thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comments. I’m glad it has been useful for you – you have come to the correct conclusions about your watch 🙂 The use of waterproof, or ‘parawater’, was phased out by about 1973 (waterproof had to be dropped because legally it implies that a watch would be waterproof no matter how old it was, or what condition it was in). The 8200 movement was first produced around 1975, I believe it may in fact have been 1976, whilst the Eagle 7 range was introduced in the early 1980s. Although that range was produced into the 1990s, the type of serial number on yours is most likely from the 1980s, so March 1989 looks correct to me.

Thanks for the reply Stephen, Much appreciated. I am quite suprised i calculated it correctly, it must be your tuiton!
Im new to Citizen, so wondering whether you can recommend any particularly good movements i can invest in?
thanks again
chris

You’re welcome 🙂 Good to hear that the info here helps to get the right answers! As to movements, to some extent it depends on what you want to spend, but for good movements at a reasonable price I would suggest the 52 and 72 ‘families’ as found in the Crystal Seven, Seven Star and V2 models. These are from the mid 1960s to early 1970s and were good quality movements. If you have a bigger budget, then the Jet auto-daters are nice, and the high beat ‘Leopards’ are also very good quality pieces. I’m always happy to have a look before you bid if you spot one you are interested in.

Hi there. i have a watch that i am trying to appraise shall i say and want to know if its worth selling or keeping. this is what the info i have about the watch.
Front:
-ERMANO
-17 Jewels Incabloc
-Swiss Made
-gold plated watch
Back:
-stainless steel back
-incabloc
-swiss made
-Engraved with a date from 1980’s
-19001 (number)

Hi Stephen my name is Marianne and I’m looking to find a price on a particular watch my father left me. It’s a noblia star sapphire from what I gather was made by citizen. I don’t really know much else about it only that he treasured it dearly and never told me how he acquired it nor would he ever spend over 50 bucks on a watch for himself. Anything will help at this point. Thank you

Hi Marianne, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid I can’t tell you a huge amount about your watch since the it is a quartz model from a later period than the mechanical models with which I am more familiar. I can tell you that Citizen launched the Noblia in 1988, and at the time it was an expensive model. I think the Sapphire versions came later, in the early 1990s. I would think they had high grade anti-reflective mineral glass crystals given the ‘Sapphire’ name. Again I understand they were expensive models at the time – I have seen one reference to a Noblia Sapphire costing nearly $US500 in 1993. However, quartz models are not heavily collected, so high original prices rarely translate into high prices now. I would suggest that you Google ‘Citizen Noblia Sapphire’ and search eBay in the same way to see whether there are examples and what prices they might fetch (searching completed listings in eBay should come up with something).

Stephen,
A few days ago I dug out an old citizen watch that I’ve had lying around in the back of a drawer for what seems like forever. I haven’t handled it for nigh on 20 years, but it started up first time and (admittedly it’s only been 2 days, but it) has kept good time since then. My guess is it’s from the early/mid 80s, but it would be great to get your input on when it was made, roughly how many were made, value now etc…. It’s a black faced automatic with the day and date – The case markings are:

Hi Lain, thanks for visiting my blog 🙂 You are right about the age of your watch. It is one of the ‘Eagle 7’ range which were first produced in the early 1980s. The movement inside is the 8200 automatic, which Citizen launched around 1975 – I think it was 1976 to be more exact. This movement has been produced pretty well ever since – it became Citizen’s standard automatic mechanical alternative in the tide of quartz watches. I’m afraid that many, many thousands of Eagle 7’s would have been produced, and as a result they are commonly seen fro sale on eBay, so values are not high. If you Google the case number – 4-039181 – you should find examples and get some idea of prices they go for. Very pleased to hear that it fired up immediately and is keeping time, although it doesn’t surprise me – these are good movements, reasonably accurate out of the box and reliable. ‘GN-4-S’ is the case type, useful for watch makers when they do a service. It relates to the water resistant screw-on case back and the way the glass is fitted, also to resist water.

The first three digits of the serial number (40979588) give a production date of September 1984.

Hello, I have a Noblia Sapphire rectangular black men’s watch I’ve had since the 80’s with the #’s 4621-E63140 Y 9120541. When was it made? Hoping to find a new leather band for it too. Thank you for any assistance you can give.

Hi Steve, thanks for visiting my blog – I’m not so familiar with the quartz models after 1980, but I recently had another visitor ask me about a Noblia Sapphire, and I gave this reply:Citizen launched the Noblia in 1988, and at the time it was an expensive model. I think the Sapphire versions came later, in the early 1990s. I would think they had high grade anti-reflective mineral glass crystals given the ‘Sapphire’ name. Again I understand they were expensive models at the time – I have seen one reference to a Noblia Sapphire costing nearly $US500 in 1993.

The serial number on yours (from first three digits) gives a production date of either December 1989 or 1999. If you remember buying it in the 1980s, then it will be 1989 🙂

I know this is a long shot since I have read your entire blog and know that you have very little dealings with quartz watches however when my grandmother passed in2005 I inherited a citizen my grandfather had given her. I really would just like to know what battery goes in the watch. Can I send you a picture of the case back. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hi!
I was down in my basement ant looked in some old boxes with a lot of old stuff inside. I found a citizen watch and i think its old..?? The numbers on the front are: Japan Mov´t 5500-r45210-y and on the back cover: 5500-R10044 RC citizen watch co. st steel ssg water resist 100 GN-4W-S The number stamped on back is 670677. How old can it be and is it worth something?
Best regards – Anders H – Sweden

Hi Anders, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid I don’t know the quartz models like the earlier mechanical movements. I saw an eBay sale of a similar watch with the 5500 movement and the seller described it as 1984 to 1999. Unfortunately I don’t know whether yours is from 1986 (from the first digit in the serial number), or 1996. Since many thousands of models have been made, the value ofused quartz watches is not high – only the very early and/or high grade ones are of interest to collectors. Here’s a technical manual for the movement: http://www.thewatchsite.com/files/Citizen%20Technical%20Manuals/5500.pdf

Hi!
Thank you for the information!. I think this is a very nice watch. I think i will change the battery and use the watch myself. Im kind of a “nerd” o watches so this wil be perfect. 🙂 Thanx again and i like your blog. This is all we nerds need. LOL. 🙂 Take care and live well.
– Anders

Hi there
I have a Promaster automatic with the serial no 266091 assembled in China on the back case.
It has a black face, day date and Promaster emblem on the back and winder post. Any idea of the date please?

Hi Neil, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m not too familiar with more modern models I’m afraid but I know that Citizen established its Chinese plant in August 1994, which suggests that a watch marked ‘assembled in China’ would be no earlier than that. From your serial number, that would give a production date of June 2002 (from the ’26’ in the number).

Hi Ronny, thanks for visiting my blog and apologies for a late reply. The watch you ask about is more recent than the models I am familiar with – this type with the ‘skeletonised’ balance and exhibition back use the 8228 movement and were made in the 1990s I think. The model number will begin with ‘8228’ and is printed around the movement inside the glass back. This one is unusual since the winder is at 1 o’clock to place the balance neatly at 6 o’clock. I can only find one other example on the web at the moment, but this has no pic of the back, or model number: http://www.modakulvar.com/e/230497/citizen-automatic-skeleton.html

Googling ‘Citizen 8228 or 8228A’ or ‘Vintage Citizen 8228’ should bring up what is around. I’m sorry I can’t be of any more help,

Hi, I buy this watch to my brother , about 15 years ago he Works at that time in a Toyota Dealer and get this whatch, Would you please tell me about the history, in the back have Yokohama tires logo, thanks.

Hi Kieran, thanks for visiting my blog. Your Uncle’s watch was made in March 1977 (the model number – 51-0823 – is listed in my 1977 case parts catalog). The first three digits of the serial number (70300788) give us the production date. It is one of the early models using the 7200 automatic movement which I believe was first made in 1976. The case number – 4-820487 – indicate the movement used, and ‘BLG’ means it has a black case with gold bezel. Although the 8200 became Citizen’s ‘workhorse’ mechanical movement, these early models were relatively expensive. Some more info is here: https://sweep-hand.org/2013/01/27/the-8200-movement-citizens-standard-auto/

Hi there. I recently found a Citizen watch on the bottom of a lake, its still in full working order. I’ve had a quick google and cant seem to find it. Details on the case are as follows:
CITIZEN WATCH CO.
WATER RESIST
BASE METAL SSG
4713-S41878 HSW
665323
GN-4-S -> 4

Any help identifying this watch would be greatly appreciated. I am thoroughly enjoying wearing this watch and would like to know a little more about it.

It is a two tone watch with gold ring around the face and two row of gold running down the band. The face has roman numerals and CITIZEN elegance above the hands with WR 100 below the hands and Japan MovT-4713-26578

Hi Aidan, thanks for visiting my blog. The water resistant case obviously worked! I’m afraid that I am familiar with the older mechanical watches so I can’t be of much help. So far I can only find reference to a later movement that can be used as a replacement for the 4713. I’ll try to get more info for you, but the 4731 seems to be a rare one.

I’ve had this watch for 30 years. I’ve tried to get information and some sort of appaisel. It is mid 50’s. Men’s ..Gp. stainless steel back. 14502. 17 jewel. Para shock. Any information and if possible an appaisel. Thank you for your help. Excellent condition.

Hi Sabrina, thanks for visiting my blog. Good to hear that you own one of the older models – at least we know that it will be no earlier than 1956 which is when Citizen introduced their ‘Parashock’ system. Unfortunately, the early model number – 14502 – is not that helpful in identifying the exact model. I should be able to help if I could see photos of the watch – do you have any? If so I can email you and you could send them to me (no need to post your email address, I get that from your comment).

Hi Roger, thanks for visiting my blog. Your watch uses the 8200 automatic movement, which was Citizen’s workhorse mechanical calibre for over 30 years. It was first produced in 1976 and in the 1980s it was used in the ‘Eagle 7’ range. In good condition the 8200 is a reliable and accurate movement. The case number of yours – 4-R16166 – is a genuine number so, although I haven’t seen your watch, it certainly appears to be authentic. Because of the long production run of this movement it can be difficult to date them. The style of the case number on yours, and the six figure serial number (091631), rather than a 7 or 8 digits number, indicate to me that it isn’t an early 8200. The first two digits of the serial number are what are used to date the watch – year first, then month. So I would think that your watch is from September of 1990, since 1980 would be too early for the style of the numbers, and I reckon that 2000 would be too late.

As to rarity, I couldn’t find an example on the internet using the case number, so there aren’t many around. But, watches with the 8200 movement are commonly available for sale, so I’m afraid they are not of great value.

Hi Amie, thanks for visiting my blog, and apologies for a slightly late response. I’m afraid I can’t help at all on the Girard Perreguax watch since Citizens are my thing. And unfortunately my main interest is in the mechanical Citizens rather than quartz, so I can’t help much with your quartz model either. The case number on yours (4-832639) suggests that it has a 8300 movement inside, and I think the 8xxx quartz movements were early in the history of quartz. So I would think, from the first three digits in the serial number (0091345) that it is from September 1980. It can’t be 1970 since that is before citizen made their quartz watches, and I reckon 1990 would be too late.

Hi,
I have an old Citizen watch from my father.
The front reads:
CITIZEN
AUTOMATIC
17 JEWELS
JAPAN 6-600701-Y

The back:
PARAWATER
C.G.P
4-600266 Y
10430279
62-8701

I am keen to know details about this watch and is thinking of getting it restored. I would be very grateful if you can advise. You have provided valuable information to so many people. What an excellent site!
Thanks, Steven

Hi Steven, thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comments. I haven’t any reference pics for your particular watch, but from the info you have provided, I believe your watch is a date only automatic from April 1971. The dial code and case number (4-600266) indicate that the movement inside is the 6000 (see page 10 of the Movement Table), first produced in 1971 with either 17 or 21 jewels. The model number (62-8701) also suggests the 6000/6001 movement since the ’62’ prefix was used for watches with that movement, for example the 62-6198 150m diver. ‘Parawater’ was Citizen’s term for waterproof, and they phased the use of this out between about 1970 and 1972/3. ‘CGP’ is Citizen Gold Plate, which is self-explanatory of course 🙂 The first three digits of the serial number (10430279) give us the production date. The 6000’s (and the more common 6500/1 with day and date) were not produced for long, since by the mid-1970s quartz technology was taking off and Citizen drastically reduced production of mechanical watches to just a few types. The movement runs at 21,600 beats per hour, a little faster than the base 18,000 bph, but not into the high beat range which requires greater servicing to minimise wear and maintain accuracy.

These 6000 models (other than the 150m diver) do not have any great value these days, although they are a quality watch and will run reliably and accurately in good condition. I would think the issue for you is more that it was your father’s watch rather than monetary value. If I were in your position I would certainly want to keep it in the best condition possible 🙂

Great blog! Can you please help me with dating my Mums watch?
The watch only has the word “CITIZEN” on the front, It looks relatively old so am unsure if it is a genuine knock-off and if it is worth restoring.

The details on the back:
CITIZEN
WATCH CO
BASE METAL TOP
ST. STEEL BACK
4-167422 SMW
9126233
75-0026
GP

Hi Tere, thanks for visiting my blog. From the case number (4-167422) I can confirm it is a genuine model, and the case number indicates that it has a 2300 movement inside. This is a small hand winding movement movement suitable for a woman’s watch. I have found a reference to these movements being made from 1966 or thereabouts so, from the first three digits in the serial number (9126233) it seems that it was made in December 1969. Does this fit with your Mum’s recollection of the watch’s history?

Hi Stephen,
Thank you so much for confirming the date of manufacture (and especially for the fast response). The watch was given to my Mum from a close friend who has now passed away (hence the lack of history). Would you recommend getting it insured? and if so how much would you guestimate?
Tere

Hi, thanks for visiting my blog. You’re English is fine, far better than my Polish! 🙂 Thank you for the information from your watch and the link to the photo. The ‘Newmaster’ name was used at different times on watches with several different movements, but the case number on yours – 4-180615 – tells us that it has the 1810 movement inside, this is the date version of the Homer movement first produced in 1962. The movement is a reliable one and was produced for quite a long time. The first three figures in the serial number (20303054) tell us that it was made in March of either 1972 or 1983. The model (63-1019) is listed in the 1977 case parts manual, so it’s possible it could still have been in production in the early 1980s. This is a hand winding watch of course, running at the standard 18,000 beats per hour. The Homer family of movements are of good quality even though they were not expensive models. One version, with ‘second setting’ was issued to officials of Japan’s national railways which shows it was a reliable watch capable of good accuracy.

Hi Vincent, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid I’ll need more information to help identify the watch. Can you please tell me what markings are on the dial, and are there any other markings on the case back? Do you know if it is a hand winding watch or an automatic (self-winding)?

Hi Stephen
I have recently inherited my fathers vintage citizen watch
Its serial number is 6110-844971 KT
Gold Plated with a black leather strap.
I cant seem to find to much about this particular watch on-line.
Could you tell me anything about it, age, perhaps value out of curiosity
I have found a couple of spanish sites which lead me to believe it could be rather valuable / rare?

Hi Tony, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m not so familiar with the quartz models I’m afraid, but I would think your watch is from the mid 1980s. I have found other models in the ‘Exceed’ and ‘Noblia’ lies from 1987 with the same dial layout, with the date window at six o’clock. The hands on yours are unusual and rather nice, if they are like these:

The number you’ve given is the model number, which indicates that the movement is a 6110 quartz, the date only version. Here’s a link to the tech manual:

Hi Sundeep, thanks for visiting my blog. From the case number (4-663357) it looks like you have a Cosmostar V2, which is a woman’s watch with the 6900 movement. This is an interesting movement, with 21 jewels, running at 28,800 beats per hour, so it is a high beat watch. This movement was first made around 1970, so yours is from January 1975 (from first three digits of the the serial number – 50101032). Here’s a post about one of these: https://sweep-hand.org/2011/05/08/a-little-story-about-reliability-accuracy/

Hi Brian, thanks for visiting my blog. As far as I know you have a ladies watch with a 2250 movement. Unfortunately I’m not so familiar with quartz models, especially ladies’ ones, so I can’t give much information. 2250-227077 is the case number, 39-5561 is the model number. The first three digits of the serial number – 80102326 – suggest its from January 1988. ‘-> 9’ gives the position where the back can be prised off, i.e. the nine 0’clock position.

Hi, I’m Frida and today i visited my mom’s place. and she had found a gem of mine that i thought was lost over a decade ago :
I inherited a Citizen quartz watch from my Grandfather. and I’m curious to what is its name and when it was produced, i heard it was one of the earlier Quartz clocks that came to Norway so i would guess 197~something (but i have no idea)

Hi Frida, thank you for visiting my blog. It’s good to hear you found the watch after it was thought to be lost 🙂 What you have is a Citizen ‘Crystron’ quartz watch, produced quite early in the quartz ‘revolution’ that began in the mid-1970s. At that time, when the technology was new, these watches were quite expensive. The case back marks give a model number of 43-2237, a case number of 4-068351 and a serial number of 00900638. The dial code (at the bottom of the dial) looks to start with 7310, which is the date only version of the 7300 movement, introduced around 1979. The first three digits of the serial number give us the date of production, so yours was made in September 1980 (‘009’). It can’t be 1970 since quartz watches weren’t in production, and the 73 movements had been superseded by later ones in 1990. That date also seems to fit with your guess of 197-something 🙂

Hi Stephen,
I recently acquired this watch too (with the eagle on the dial; Citizen automatic 21 jewels). I was surprised how small it is. Can you give me some details about it? Is it gents or ladies watch?

Hi Jan – thanks for the information. I reckon your Eagle 7 is from December 1986 and although a small watch does use the 8200 automatic movement. I confirmed this by checking what winding stem it uses and comparing that to other 8200 models, and it is the same one. The numbers on the back are the case number (4-038819), the model number (71-4976), and the serial number (61202275). The first three figures give the production date and although the 8200 was used for over 30 years, the eight figure serial number is typical of earlier models. GN-4-S is the case type code, indicating a water resistant case and crystal with a screw down back.

Hi Stephen,
thank you for your explanation of the markings of my CITIZEN 7, but I still wonder if it is gents or ladies watch because it is relatively small (33mm across without the crown, 37mm from lug to lug).
4-038819 SMG
61202275
71-4976
GN-4-S
How can one determine the gender?
Thank you for your reply. Have a nice Sunday!
Jan

Hi Jan – you’re welcome. Without seeing how Citizen listed this model in its catalogs back in the day, we can only guess whether it was marketed as a men’s or a women’s watch. The other possibility is that it was targeted at youngsters.
Stephen

Hi Sebas, thanks for visiting my blog, and sorry for my slow reply. I’m not so familiar with the quartz models, but from the first part of the model number (8830) it looks like yours uses the 8800 quartz movement, which was first made around 1979. So from the first three figures in the serial number (110) it looks like yours was made in October 1981.

Hi Mehzabin, thank you for visiting my blog. From the case number (4-663993) you have a women’s Cosmostar watch from the 1970s. The case code (SSPD) indicates a stainless steel case with a palladium coated bezel. The first three figures in the serial number (6041508) give a production date of April 1976.

I have what appears to be a women’s ERMANO LTD 12 27 PLAQUE G40G 17 JEWEL INCABLOC ANTIMAG AUTOMATIC. VINTAGE WATCH, NOT EVEN GOOGLE HAS SEEN ONE NOR EBAY NOTHIN CAN YOU PLZ HELP ME OUT WITH THE WORTH OF THIS TIME PIECE

Hi Stacy – thanks for visiting my blog, but my collection is vintage Japanese watches by Citizen. From the little to be found on the Ermano brand it looks to Swiss, probably made for the Italian market. Unless the case is solid gold, I wouldn’t think it has any great value.

Hi,
I have a very old wrist watch of citizen quartz. I don’t know its worth. I am providing you the details . Please provide me the worth, i want to sell it.
CITIZEN Base Metal yp 2030-069285 smw 3025457 31-4625

Hi Vipin, thanks for visiting my blog. I don’t do valuations, that is not the point of the blog. It’s unlikely that a gold plated quartz watch has any great value. If you search eBay for ‘completed listings’ for Citizen 2030 watches you may find something to compare yours with,
Stephen

Hello, I have a rectangular hand winding watch given from my dad and I’d like to know the movement and date and if it’s a woman’s model perhaps if you could please help me figure it out?
The back details are:
Base metal top
4 151968 sp
86 0093
8070464

Hi Joss, thanks for visiting my blog. Your watch could be a woman’s model – what size is the case? The smaller the case the more likely it is to be for a woman, and I’m pretty sure that the movement inside will be one of the 015 family since the case number (4-151968) and model number (86-0093) are typical of watches with this movement. This is a small hand winding movement which was used in women’s watches. It was first produced around 1975, so yours will be from July 1978 (from first three units of the serial number – 8070464).

Hi Philip, apologies for a later reply. Here’s a copy of a reply I gave to another visitor who asked about the same model as yours:-

I’m afraid I can’t help with your question very much since my knowledge is mainly about the older mechanical models Citizen made up to the late 1970s. Yours watch has the 6100 quartz movement and I did find an image of your model on the internet of your model (model number is 6100-R00405). I don’t know exactly when the 6100 models were produced, but I would think from the serial number (01203675) that it was probably made in December 1990. Unfortunately these watches don’t have much value these days. Here is a link to the technical manual for the 6100 movement – it tells you what battery to use if you are not sure: http://www.thewatchsite.com/files/Citizen%20Technical%20Manuals/6100.pdf

Your watch has a different serial number of course, which gives a production date of July 1993 or maybe 1983, but I can’t be sure about it.

Hello,
Appreciate if you could help me identify the age of a CITIZEN QUARTZ SEVEN.
Back case has the below details,
BASE METAL TOP
STAINLESS STEEL BACK
4 833597 Y
1103352
BW 4067
JAPAN
Back of the wrist band has the following details,
56300T
Thank you.

Hi, and thanks for visiting my blog. The quartz Seven was introduced in December 1980, and was Citizen’s first watch to use a lithium battery giving a battery life of 8 years, the longest in the world at the time. The serial number on yours gives a production date of 1981.

Hi Tram, thank you for visiting my blog. Your women’s watch uses one of the 015 hand winding movements, see here for some info:

4-151755 is the case number and the ’15’ part helps identify the movement inside. 86-2703 is the model number, which is not so obviously helpful, but I know from a 1977 parts catalog I have that the ’86’ models use the 015 movement, and in fact your model is listed. The first three digits of serial number – 7050015 – give us the production date. Since we know from the parts catalog that this is a watch from the mid 1970s we can date this one to May 1977.

Hi Gary, thank you for visiting my blog. I apologise for the late reply – I have been very busy with family stuff over the last few days. I’m afraid I can’t tell you very much about your watch since it is a fairly recent quartz model. The information you have provided tells us that it has a 6101 movement inside but unfortunately I don’t have any material that tells me when it was produced. ‘GN-4SW-S’ is the case type code, which indicates a water resistant design with a screw-on back. I’m sorry I cannot be of more help. Here is a link to the relevant technical manual for the 6101 movement: http://www.thewatchsite.com/files/Citizen%20Technical%20Manuals/6010.pdf

I have one… Don’t know anything about it, it was my dad’s, he passed away and theses watch was in a safety box . The numbers on the back are 4-020642TA and other number is 10901821 and 63-4239. Please I want to know more about the watch. Thanks.

Hi Jocelyn, thanks for visiting my blog. Your dad’s watch is a hand winding model with what is known as the ‘Homer’ movement inside. This movement, designated ’02’ by Citizen, was first produced in 1962, and although not used in expensive models, it was Citizen’s workhorse hand winding movement used for many years. The case number (4-020642) references the movement, whilst model number 63-4239, although less useful, indicates by its style that the watch is from the late 1960s / early 1970s. We can pin the date down more precisely from the first three numbers in the serial number – 10901821 – so it was September 1971.

I inherited from my father in law a Citizen Pocket Watch, 21 jewels, Para Shock Phynox. The case back has no engravings at all. Do you know how could I find more information on it? A local watch broker told me it is quite rare down here, even if not valuable. It is very simple, so I guess it was a kind of entry level product.

Obviously I would like to find when it was made, but also how much it originally cost, and even what do ‘Para Shock’ and ‘Phynox’ mean.

From your description it looks like you have a ‘Homer’ pocket watch. The Homer movement (designated 02 if it has no date) was first produced in 1960, and the ‘phynox’ mark suggests yours was made early in the production run. At that time ‘phynox’ was a relatively new alloy used for the hairspring to give it great reliability and longevity, so it was a feature worth noting on the dial. I have a later one, with no ‘phynox’ mark:https://sweep-hand.org/2013/06/05/this-weeks-featured-watch-52-homer-pocket-watch-21-jewels

The Homer movement was Citizen’s workhorse hand winder for many years and proved to be reliable and capable of decent accuracy. In 1971 one of these would retail at ¥5,400 compared to ¥18,000 for a Cosmotron (electronic) pocket watch.

The serial number of a watch can be used to date a watch – is there anything on the case back (it could be stamped inside the back)?

I’ve just bought an old Citizen watch – just because I like old watches and I decided this one looked good – and I hope you can give me some details. I know it’s probably not worth much, but that doesn’t matter to me. All I know is it apparently has an 8200A movement, and it has an eagle and letter C on the face. I also found these details on the photos of the watch – which I bought from a seller in Mumbai.

CITIZEN WATER RESIST
4-038037 SMG
20501696
71-3317
6H-4-S
That last line isn’t too clear on the pictures.

Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I’m hoping to enjoy my purchase. I just don’t like modern watches!

Hi Brian – what you have, as you’ve already identified, is an ‘Eagle 7’ model with the 8200 movement. This movement was introduced around 1976 and was used by Citizen as their workhorse automatic for many years. Your description of the marks on the back are all correct, but the ‘6H’ part will actually be ‘GN’. This is the case type code and signifies a water resistant case / crystal design. Having just a ‘C’ on the dial suggests this might be a re-dial, or a re-paint, since the full ‘Citizen’ logo would normally be used. I note you bought it from a seller in India, and re-paints from there are very common, presumably to rescue a badly faded / stained original dial. More info here on the 8200 movement: https://sweep-hand.org/2013/01/27/the-8200-movement-citizens-standard-auto/
And more here on one of the first models with this movement: https://sweep-hand.org/2014/10/12/the-weeks-featured-watch-62-the-adorex-8200/
The Eagle 7’s were launched in the 1980s, so yours is probably from May 1982, but it could be 1992 since they were made over a lengthy period.

Thanks so much for your reply. I think I may have caught the vintage watch bug, and I’ve enjoyed looking through your articles and the questions and answers here. My first purchase was an HMT Sona from India, and now this Citizen. The seller claims the dial and glass is original – but I’ve been to India and things are rarely as they seem. The letter C I mentioned is on the chest of the Eagle logo and is in red. The full Citizen name is in the top half of the dial where you’d expect it to be. I’ve been notified it has been dispatched today, so it should be with me in a couple of weeks.

Hello! Can anyone here help me to determine the age of a CITIZEN watchband? I know that’s an odd question but I found a watchband at the site of an old airplane crash and I would like to know if it belonged to someone on the plane. I would post a picture of it but I cant see how to do that. Thank you!

Hi Greg – yours is an unusual context for a question! I’m afraid visitors can’t post pics directly. You can link to a photo on something like Photobucket, or I can email you and you can send to me so I can upload it. Let me know if you want me to do that (no need to post your email address since I see that when a comment is made),
Stephen

Thank you Stephen, The picture you show doesnt show the band tapering larger at the end. I found a picture of one exactly like this one on Ebay. If you dont mind I would like to email it to you. The plane crash was in 1991. I just wanted to make sure it wasn’t made after 1991. Thank you very much for the help!

Hello, I have a citizen noblia moon phase watcg . Gold plated. Can you tell me when it was made? The serial number is4310 432398TA then 804059. Japan4310 430350 on face. Only says Nobli Citizen. Theres no Noblia logo. Thanks patrick.

Hi Patrick – I am most familiar with older mechanical watches, not more recent quartz models, so the quick answer is that I don’t know why your watch hasn’t got the N logo. However, I found an example of your watch on the web, and that also doesn’t have the N so maybe it is correct for that model. I avoid offering valuations, but bear in mind that quartz watches usually don’t have any great value, unless they are very high end (I’m afraid the Noblia line doesn’t fit that description). Best way to get an idea of values is to search the internet, eBay especially including completed listings, for Noblia watches. You can also search for your particular model by adding the number – 4310-432398

Hi James, thanks for visiting my blog. I do try to avoid giving an opinion on value, other than very general comments. If you know the model and case numbers of your watch you can search the internet, particularly completed listings on eBay to get an idea of value.

hi sweephand first time on your very good blog ,is it possible to date my late fathers citizen quartz on the back from the top is
citizen watch co. water resist stainless steel
4-038908k
1 1 0 0 2 3 4 4
gn-4-s japan i have tried to date it myself but cant any serial numbers like it

Hi, thank you for visiting my blog and for your kind comments. Are you sure your watch is a quartz model? As far as I know the case number – 4-038908 – is for an ‘Eagle 7’ automatic watch, using the 8200 movement. This movement was used for many years so they can be hard to date. The serial number on yours suggests it is from October 1981.

Hi Leslie, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid I don’t know too much about the more recent quartz models since many hundreds have been made over the years. Are there other markings on the back? If so could you post them here – without them the movement can’t be identified.

Good afternoon. My grandfather recently passed away and in his old jewelry box he had an old citizen watch in there. I inherited it. Just wondering if you way be able to tell me anything about it. The numbers on the back are.

Base metal ssg
6101-T15588KT
40200174
GN-4W-S

I was just curious of the age and or any other info you may be able to give me.

Hi Bryan, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid I don’t know the quartz movements so well, and many different models have been made over the years. I think the 6100 / 6101 was made in the 1980s, so it looks like yours is from February 1984. Here’s a link to the relevant rtechnicla manual which gives lots of info:

Thanks for visiting my blog. I don’t know Citizen’s quartz models so well I’m afraid – I think the 6100 movement was made in the 1980s, so it looks like yours is from April 1989. I avoid doing valuations, but generally speaking quartz models don’t have a great deal of value. For info here is a link to the relevant technical manual: http://www.thewatchsite.com/files/Citizen%20Technical%20Manuals/6100.pdf

[Hi Diego – thank you for visiting my blog 🙂 You have a Citizen ‘Eagle 7’ automatic watch, with the 8200 movement. ‘4-038843 SMT’ is the case number and factory identifier. ‘GN-4-S’ is the case type code, meaning it is a water resistant design, with a screw on case back. ‘00453323’ is the serial number, which I think indicates a production date of April 1990. The 8200 movement was produced for over 30 years, and the Eagle 7 models were made in the 1980s and 1990s.]

Hi Avinash, thanks for visiting my blog. Your watch uses the 1045 quartz movement, so it is a fairly recent model. I’m not familiar with these I’m afraid – does the serial number start with ‘5’ rather than ‘S’? If so this would give a production year of either 1995 or 2005.

Hi
I hace a citizen watch that I purchased around1994.
On the front says
21 jewels below a eagle with a red seven in the middle and below the 6: japan 8200 m03034 ka.
On the back 8200 075552 m
532418
Gn4ws
Japan.
It’s gold.
Thanks

Hi, thanks for visiting my blog – you have an ‘Eagle 7’ automatic, with the 8200 movement that was used for many years. The serial number gives a production date of March 1995, which fits with your recollection of when you bought it.

hi , I’m from Brazil and I would like to congratulate the blog , it’s fantastic . I would also like to ask for help to identify one of my watches citizen . Follows the inscriptions engraved on it . Thanks for all the help

Hi Lamara, thank you for visiting my blog, and for your kind comments 🙂 Thanks for posting all the information as well – especially the dial code since that confirms that the movement inside is the 8200 automatic. The 8200 was first produced in 1976, and became Citizen’s workhorse movement for many years. Because of this it can be hard to date watches with this movement, but there are some clues on yours which help. First, the model number – 71-3376 – is the earlier type, used in the 1970s and 1980s, so it is unlikely to be from the 1990s. The case number – 4-0380611 – is also typical of the earlier models. The 8 digit serial number – 20700780 – is also of the earlier type. And we can get the production date from the first three digits in this number – ‘207’. Since the movement was first made in the mid-1970s, this one cannot be from 1972. The other markings suggest it is an earlier model, so it is unlikely to be from 1992, so my view is that it is from July 1982. Does the dial have an eagle motif on the dial, with a ‘7’ at the centre? The 8200 was often used in these Eagle 7 models in the 1980s and 1990s.

Hi great blog, i read the whole thing but could not find my watch . 🙂 I have found a citizen watch with the numbers: Citizen Watch co. 4-161106 SMT, 7019470, 54-6011, Japan, CCP. It looks very damaged but it runs fine. Hope you can help me. Ciao robin.

Hi Robin, thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comment. The model number (54-6011) and the case number (4-161106) aren’t much help in determining the movement in your watch, but I have it listed in my reference material and it is the 5321 movement (part of the 51 movement group) first produced around 1975. This is a small movement designed for women’s watches, with date complication. ‘CCP’ is the case material code, so it was chrome plated, a finish that can become badly worn. The serial number (7019470) gives a production date of January 1977. Here’s a link to more info: http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&ranfft&0&2uswk&Citizen_5321

Wow, thank you for the information! Now i don’t have to open the watch, witch isnvery difficult.:).
I was puzzled by the movement, because it was already running when i bought it. The chrome is not worn, only the glas (or plastc) is damaged. I can clean it now and put on a different band. Do you have facebook? Come on my frie
ndslist, it is good to have a friend like you :).
You have to type in robin with the surname of my email.

Hi trying to find out about my watch, it’s gold looks more like a bracelet, sqaure clock, with a covert over it the opens up and closes to hide it to make it look like a bracelet . The watch reads citizens elegance movt-5421-n79329 the back reads base metal 5421-s68971

Hi Liza – thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid I can’t help a great deal with this watch. Since it is a quartz model, I’m not as familiar with it as I am with the older mechanical watches. 5421-s68971 is the model number, and this also tells us that the 5421 movement is inside. Base Metal means that it is a plated case. Here’s a link to the relevant technical manual: http://www.thewatchsite.com/files/Citizen%20Technical%20Manuals/5400.pdf

Hi Srinivas, thank you for visiting my blog. Apologies that I have not replied sooner, I have been away for a few days. I’m afraid I can’t help with your watch since it is a modern eco-drive watch. These are very good solar powered watches – I am sure if you search Google you should find information.
Stephen

Could you help me to recognise my watch. It is from 21 jewels series. It is written in its back: Citizen Watch Co, Water Resist, Stainless, 4-039190 SMK, 30101344, GN-4W-S. My father bought me this watch in 1994. I want to send some pictures but I do not know how to send them. I would like to know the specification, series dan if possibly its price now. Many thanks for your help 😁.

Hi Christina, thank you for visiting my blog. I’m sorry for my slow reply, I’ve been away for a few days. Your watch is an ‘Eagle 7’ automatic, using the 8200 movement with 21 jewels. This movement was first produced in 1976 and was used for over 30 years. It was Citizen’s ‘workhorse’ automatic, very reliable and with decent accuracy, and runs at 21,600 beats per hour. The first three numbers in the serial number – 30101344 – give a production date of January 1993, which fits with your father buying it in the following year. I’m afraid the Eagle 7 / 8200’s don’t have any great value, since many were made and they are not a ‘high end’ model.

Hi Wanda, thanks for visiting my blog, and apologies for my slow reply – I have been away for a few days. I’m afraid I don’t know very much about quartz watches since I collect older mechanical models. Your watch has the 5920 movement in it, and it is a gold tone model (‘YP’ = yellow plate). The model number – 5920-548465 – helpfully includes the movement number. I’m nit sure when these were made, but the six figure serial number (602986) suggests February 1996 to me.

Hi Tara, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid I can’t help very much since yours is a quartz model from a later period than the mechanical watches I am most familiar with. I know that Adec was a sub-brand using Citizen’s movements, and the model number on yours tells us that it has the 6A31 quartz module inside. This was also used on another sub-brand, known as ‘Junction’. I don’t know when this movement was produced, but I would guess from the serial number that your watch was made in 1992.

Just came across this blog, and was astonished by your knowledge on watches. I want to know if my watch is worth anything?
I brought in on a vacation, but didnt have much use of it, so want to sell it.
This is what the back says:

Hi Aink – thanks for visiting my blog, but I’m afraid I can’t help you very much. Your watch is a quartz model and I am familiar with older mechanical watches. Used quartz watches do not have any great value, but if you search ebay for ‘Citizen 1032’ you may find some examples to give you an idea.

Hello, I was recently given my husband’s grandmothers watch. Grandpa didn’t know when or where she got the watch. I’m not sure if it is a knock off? The back is as follows:
Citizen
Watch Co.
4-753097 K
00201137
GN-4W-S
48-0592

All stainless steel _ Water Resistant _ Japan is encircling the above information.

I am hoping you can tell me any information on it. I cannot find anything like it. Thanks for your blog! Great info!
Cherie

Hi Cherie, thanks for visiting my blog. From the case back information, I think your watch is an early quartz model, with the 7530 movement. These were introduced around 1979, used in women’s watches as Citizen established a wise range of quartz models. The movement is indicated by the case number – 4-753097, but the model number – 48-0592 – doesn’t help us very much. ‘GN-4W-S is the case type, meaning it is a water resistant type, with screw down back. The first part of the serial number – 00201137 – tells us it was made in February, 1980. It definitely doesn’t look like a ‘knock-off’ to me 🙂 Is the dial marked at all, for example with ‘CQ’?

I was looking to put a battery in my quartz citizen watch and when i put in the details on the back it bought me to this web page, not sure why. the details are as follows
Citizen Watch Co
base metal YP
3220-326407 YO
2070762

Hi Cristina, thanks for visiting my blog, but I’m afraid I don’t know too much about quartz watches since this is about older ‘vintage’ watches the citizen made. Your 3220 model may be from 1991. I avoid giving opinions on value, it’s best to research eBay to see what similar watches are going for. Sorry I can’t be of more help.
Stephen

Hello. My father has this Citizen watch which is said to be water resistant and base metal. Under it there are numbers and I’m not sure which one is the serial number. 1032-S91905 HSB and there’s another one, 190840.

Hi Mari, thanks for visiting my blog, and apologies for my later reply. Your father’s watch is a quartz model, and I’m afraid I don’t know too much about them. The case number (1032-S91905) tells us that it uses the 1032 movement, which was a quartz calibre used for thin ladies’ watches. I’m afraid I can’t tell you when it was made – maybe the 1990s? Here is a link to the relevant technical manual:

Hi. I hope you can help me. I found my grandfather’s old watch and I can’t find any information about it. It is a citizen quartz
2100-891279smk
41 250
34-9500. I don’t even know if it is fake.
Thanks in advance

Hi Tomi – thanks for visiting my blog, and apologies for the delay in my reply. I don’t know too much about Citizen’s quartz models, except for the very early ones, so I’m afraid I can’t help very much. I am pretty sure that your watch is genuine, the model number (34-9500) is a correct one. The case number (2100-891279) tells us that it uses a 2100 quartz movement. I don’t know when these were produced, but here is a link to the technical manual: http://www.thewatchsite.com/files/Citizen%20Technical%20Manuals/2100.pdf

Hi my grandmother recently gave me a watch and i was wondering how old it was. The back has the numbers 2870-269187 k and below that 80622688.
It’s gold plated and has a circular face with Roman numerals. It also has a yellow moon and constellations. I would really like to know anything about it because I can’t find anything.

Hi Selena – thanks for visiting my blog and apologies for my slow reply. I am not so familiar with Citizen’s quartz movements I’m afraid. The 2870 movement has the moon phase complication and was made in the late 1980s/ 1990s as far as I know. The first three numbers in the serial number (80622688) suggest it was made in June 1986.

Hi Raya – thanks for visiting my blog. The model number (6000-K09338) tells us that this is Citizen Quartz watch from around 1990 as far as I know, with a 6000 movement inside (I’m not so familiar with quartz models since they are more recent than the mechanical watches I know fairly well). The serial number – 150586) indicates it was made in 1991 if I am right about when these were made.

Hi Emina – thanks for visiting my blog, and apologies for my slow reply. Busy weekend with grandchildren! 🙂 Sorry about doing a second post, but I have to approve a comment before it’s published, it avoids any inappropriate stuff.
Unfortunately I can’t tell you too much about your watch since I mainly know about the earlier mechanical watches. From the info on the case back, your watch is a gold tone model (YP = Yellow Plate) and uses a quartz 5920 movement. The case/model number includes this which is helpful! The ->4 marking shows where the cased can be prised off, i.e. at the 4 o’clock position. The serial number – 5880018 can help determine when a watch is made. I found an example on the internet of a 5920 model and the style didn’t look too modern, and the seven digit serial number also suggests it isn’t too recent a model. So I would guess it is from August 1985 (from the ’58’ at the start of the serial number). I did find that a new replacement movement is available for these if one is needed, it’s a Miyota 5Y70 – see here: http://www.esslinger.com/miyota-citizen-ltd-watch-movement-5y20-quartz-movements/

Hi Kristine, thanks for visiting and following my blog, and for your kind comment – much appreciated. Unfortunately I’m not so good on Citizen’s quartz watches since I collect the older mechanical models. I have had a couple of questions before about the Noblia line, and found that Citizen launched the Noblia in 1988, and at the time it was an expensive model. I think the Sapphire versions came later, in the early 1990s. I would think they had high grade anti-reflective mineral glass crystals given the ‘Sapphire’ name. Again I understand they were expensive models at the time – I have seen one reference to a Noblia Sapphire costing nearly $US500 in 1993. The model/case number – 4621-E63247 – tells us that the movement inside is a 4621 (a modern replacement can be found if necessary – http://www.perrinwatchparts.com/prod_name/miyota_quartz_watch_movement_9t22.aspx). The serial number starts with a zero, so it looks like yours was made in 1990. I’m afraid I can’t help much on value, but generally quartz models, even if they were expensive when new, do not have much value. Best way to check that out is to search eBay and see if anything similar has been sold.

If you lend me use a Little bit of your knowledge to solve some troubles that I have had on serching data for a watch that i baugth when I was a teenager.

On the back of the watch it saids:
CITIZEN WATCH CO..
Water Resist
St.Steel
8200-802210 DHS
660080
GN-4W-8
I can also tell you that it is Automatic 21Jewels and it has a very particular glass that I don’t know really well how to describe it but it looks like some kind of prism…I guess

Really hope you can tell me something interesting about this watch as you usually do.
Thank you!

Hi Giovanni – thanks for visiting my blog. I am struggling to find any information on your specific watch. Usually I can confirm that the case number (8200-802210) is an authentic one, but I’ve had no joy with this one. The case number is a later style for the 8200 automatic, so I would think yours was made in June 1996 – is that correct do you think? The 8200 movement was first made in 1976, and was used for more than thirty years so there were many models made over that time. GN-4W-S (rather than 8 I think) is the case type, meaning it is a water resistant type with a screw down back. Your description of the glass suggests it is a ‘faceted’ type s rather than flat it is cut at different angles. Here’s an example:

Hi Latoya – thanks for visiting my blog. From the information you’ve provided, I think your watch is a women’s model, using either the 2300 or 5100 hand winding movement. The 5100 was just a later version of the 2300 series. They are a compact movement designed for smaller watches, with 17 jewels and running at 18,000 beats per hour which was the standard speed. I’m basing this on the model number – 65-563x – since ’65’ was used for this group of movements. The model number should have one more digit at the end – has that worn off? 4-281900 is the case number, and I can confirm that it is a genuine number 🙂 The first three number of the serial number gives us a production date. And since these were first produced in the mid-1970s, this tells us that it was made in September 1981. Although I don’t try to give valuations, in general terms I’m afraid the watch doesn’t have any great value – women’ watches are not usually collected, and to have any significant value watches from this period need to high end, rare and/or have special features, for example chronographs or divers.

Hi Stephen,
My grandmother gave me my granddad’s watch when he passed away.
It says Citizen 21 jewels at the top of the dial and waterproof and shockproof on the lower portion.
on the back it says – swiss made, waterproof, antimagnetic, incabloo and stainless steel back.
The serial number is 969202.
it would be really helpful If u could tell me anything about the model and year of my watch because i own a few but this is the only one which i inherited

Hi Ravi – thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid the case back marks on your watch are not Citizen ones. A Citizen watch back would not have ‘Swiss Made’ or ‘incabloc’ on it. If your grandfather owned the watch for a long time, I wonder if an incorrect case back has been used at some time, maybe when it was serviced. Even if the rest of the watch is correct, the original case back is needed to identify the model, movement used and the production date. Do you have any photos? If you can upload them somewhere and post a link here, it would be helpful, especially if you could get the case back off and take a shot of the movement.

Hi Kristina, thank you for visiting my blog and for your kind comment – it is much appreciated. Unfortunately my area of knowledge is on the earlier mainly mechanical models, so I am not so helpful on the later quartz models. As quartz technology was mastered, mass production caused prices to drop and many thousands of models have been made over the years. I have managed to find a technical manual for the 2200 movement which is used in your watch as indicated by the case number on the back (thanks for the clear photos 🙂 ). This describes the two hand movement as a high grade quartz, so it isn’t one of the more basic models, also confirmed by the use of 6 jewels. The back is also marked ‘assembled in F. R. Germany’. Citizen opened their plant there in 1974, but this movement was not made that early. The style of the case number is later than that, so I think it is from the 1980s given other clues – the model number (89-6004) and the seven digit serial number are likely to be earlier than the 1990s. ‘YP’ means ‘yellow plate’ of course which means it is a gold tone watch. Again the use of ‘YP’ is more likely in the 1980s than the 1970s. So, my conclusion is that the watch is from July 1984 – from the first three digits in the serial number. Hope this is helpful.

I BOUGHT MY CITIZIANS BLACK BAND TITANIUM WATCH IN 1988. MY HOME WAS ROBBED IN 1990 AND MY ENTIRE JEWELRY BOX WAS STOLEN WITH MY EXTRA WATCH LINKS IN IT. NOW AS I HAVE GOTTEN OLDER I NEED THE EXTRA LINKS AS MY WATCH IS NOW TOO TIGHT TO WEAR. ALL I NEED ARE 2 LINKS. MY JEWELER SAYS THEY DON’T MAKE THOSE KIND OF BANDS ANYMORE AND THAT I WOULD NEED ANY LINKS AVILABLE FROM THAT TIME. AFTER ALL THESE YEARS MY WATCH STILL KEEPS PERFECT TIME. I LOVE MY WATCH BUT IN ORDER TO WEAR IT I NEED AT LEAST THOSE 2 MORE BLACK LINKS. THIS IS THE INFO MY JEWELER TOOK OFF THE BACK OF MY WATCH. 2250-899041 SMW. SER # 9051071. 39-6168 ( ARROW ) / 0

Hi Lin, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid I can’t help with your search for bracelet links. I think the only way to source them now is to keep checking eBay for the same model and to use the bracelet from that, using the search term ‘Citizen 2250’ which will find watches with the same movement.

Hi Meliana, thanks for visiting my blog. I am not so familiar with Citizen’s quartz models, but I can tell you that the markings on the back, that aren’t self-explanatory, mean the it is a gold plated watch (TGP), model number is 6010-077911. This tells us that there is a 6010 quartz movement inside. ‘GN-4W-S’ is the case type, indicating that it is water resistant with a screw down case back. 611231 is the serial number, whioch tell us it was made in 1986 or 1996 – I’m sorry I can’t be more specific. Here’s a link to the technical guide for the movement: http://www.thewatchsite.com/files/Citizen%20Technical%20Manuals/6010.pdf

Hello, could you help with the identification and information about this watch please, which I purchased quite recently, it appears never to have been worn, the day / date show German if that is of any help.

Hi Roy – thanks for visiting my blog. You have an’Eagle 7′ model with the 8200 automatic inside. The case material code indicates that it has a gold plated bezel. The style of the case number (4-R01363) and the 6 figure serial number indicates it is a later one, probably from June 1990, but it could even have been from 2000 (especially given its condition) since the 8200 was made for over 30 years. GN-4W-S is the case type, indicating a water resistant designs with a screw down back. More on the 8200 movement here: https://sweep-hand.org/2013/01/27/the-8200-movement-citizens-standard-auto/

Many Thanks for the quick reply Stephen, paid £40 for it, so I suppose that’s about right as it’s roughly 15/25 years old but in excellent condition. I have 2 other Citizens and now I’ve found your excellent site, I will be back in touch for more information, regards, Roy

Hi Roy, these two quartz models don’t really fall in my area of knowledge, but they are probably two of the more interesting models. The 200m diver is probably the first Pro-Master model I would think, probably from 1989, which probably explains the ‘P-JAPAN-P’ on the dial – this means that Promethium was used for the lume. See here for more info: https://sweep-hand.org/2014/12/04/radioactive-lume/

The other watch (model # 41-9559) is also interesting since it’s a ‘Digi-Ana’ model, and quite an early example I reckon. They were introduced in 1978, and yours looks to be from December 1979. One of the collectable quartz models.

Stephen, many thanks for the info. The Pro-Master model was purchased by my Late Wife for me in 1991 (20/12/91 to be precise, as I still have the original receipt and Guarantee Card) and the Digi-Ana model I purchased myself and I sill have the original presentation boxes for both , very interesting site and blog, can I ask please, how do I upload photo’s to your site and blog ? regards, Roy

Hi and thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid I’m not so familiar with quartz models, but I think yours is probably from 1984 since it has an early type of case number for a quartz (4-159047). I’m afraid the value of it is low, since people don’t collect quartz watches unless they are very early and /or high end models, and there is also little interest in women’s watches. Here’s the manual for the 2200 movement for your information: http://www.thewatchsite.com/files/Citizen%20Technical%20Manuals/2200.pdf

I have the following Citizen Ladies watch. It appears to have Mother of Pearl face plate and 4 inserts on each side of the band, The markings are:
Citizen Watch Co
Base Metal YP
5421-F45197 K
730400
Japan -> 10

I have a men’s Citizen watch 4031, gold tone, I think it’s a rectangle analog. It is a Quartz watch. The markings on the back are as follows… Citizen watch co. Base metal YP 4031-893484 SMW, 5087846, 37-7902 with an arrow next to it, with the # 5. It has no numbers on it an has 2 hands. It should be dated 1986 or earlier. I’m looking for the exact date it was made and possible value of this watch.

Hi Rich, thanks for visiting my blog and apologies for my slow reply. I’m not an expert on quartz models, but if you are sure that it is no later than 1986, the serial number tells us it was made in August 1985 (i.e. 508 in the serial number). ->5 indicates where the back can be prised off (i.e. the 5 o’clock position). I’m afraid quartz watches, especially women’s, are of little value. Here’s the relevant technical manual for your information: http://www.thewatchsite.com/files/Citizen%20Technical%20Manuals/4031.pdf

I have the following Citizen Ladies watch. It appears to have Mother of Pearl face plate and 4 inserts on each side of the band, The markings are:
Citizen Watch Co
Base Metal YP
5421-F45197 K
730400
Japan -> 10

Hi Paul – thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid I can’t help too much with quartz models since the older mainly mechanical models are my area. I can tell you from the case information that yours has a 5421 movement in a gold tone (YP = Yellow Plate) case. The movement number is contained within the model/case number, whilst -> 10 indicates that the back can be prised off at the 10 o’clock position. Given the battery life is 3 years (longer than earlier quartz movements) and the 6 figure serial number (earlier would have 7 or 8) then I would guess this is from 1997, but I can’t be sure. Here’s a link to the relevant technical manual for your information: http://www.thewatchsite.com/files/Citizen%20Technical%20Manuals/5421.pdf

Hi Roy – from the info you have given I think this one is an 8200 automatic from the late 1970s, so it won’t be an ‘Eagle 7’ version – is that correct? ‘P-JAPAN-P’ on the dial means it has promethium lumed markers. Use of that lume would indicate a relatively early model, as would the style of the case number and the eight figure serial number. So I think it was made in December 1978. GN-4-S is the case type, i.e. water resistant with a screw down case back.

Hello Stephen, just to confirm, there is the “Eagle 7” crest on the dial, how do I post photo’s on your blog, can I do it directly or would I have to host it somewhere else (dropbox etc) and link it to the site page ?, regards, RoyW

Hello Stephen, the only reason I ask is that I purchased another “Citizen” watch from *bay(wasn’t sure whether I could mention the site), the photo’s weren’t the best quality and it wasn’t until I received the watch that I realised that the caseback was completely different and NOT an original Citizen. my local watchmaker has confirmed that it is an original genuine Citizen, but without the original caseback and obviously the serial numbers etc, I can’t find out any information about it.Long shot really, if I was to post a photo of the watch, do you think that it could be identified that way ?,regards, RoyW

Hi just inherited my great grandfather citizen watch. It was given to him for 41 years service. can you help identify the model and age of the watch? on the back it reads as follows:
CITIZEN
WATER RESISTANT
BASE METAL YP
3801 – 450302 TA
5110115
35-7502
GN-4-S
JAPAN
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Isaac

Hi Isaac – I’m afraid I’m not so familiar with the quartz models. The info on the case back tells us that it has a 3801 movement, 35-7502 is the model number and GN-4-S is the case type, meaning it is a water resistant type with a screw down back. The first three figures in the serial number – 5110115 – hep us date the watch, but I’m afraid I don’t know what decade these were made in. So it could be November 1985, at the earliest, or 1995. For your information, here’s a link to the relevant technical manual: http://www.thewatchsite.com/files/Citizen%20Technical%20Manuals/3800.pdf

Hi Meastro – thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid I am not so familiar with the quartz models, but having had a few questions asked about the 6031 models (as yours is), I think they were made in the late 1980s / early 1990s. So, from the first three figures in the serial number, although I can’t be certain, I would think yours is from February 1993. Here’s a link to the relevant technical manual: http://www.watchuseek.com/archive/seikocitizen/Citizen_Technical_Manuals/6031.pdf%5D

Hello Stephen, the only reason I ask is that I purchased another “Citizen” watch from *bay(wasn’t sure whether I could mention the site), the photo’s weren’t the best quality and it wasn’t until I received the watch that I realised that the caseback was completely different and NOT an original Citizen. my local watchmaker has confirmed that it is an original genuine Citizen, but without the original caseback and obviously the serial numbers etc, I can’t find out any information about it.Long shot really, if I was to post a photo of the watch, do you think that it could be identified that way ?,regards, RoyW
***************************************************************************************************************************
Hello Stephen, C & P’ed one of my previous posts to save going through it all again, I have posted 3 photo’s for you to have a look at, as you can see the watch is definitely an “Eagle 7” but date etc unknown, waiting, hopefully, in anticipation,regards, RoyW

Hi Roy – thanks for the link to the pics. This looks to me to be a re-finished dial – I can’t see a dial code and the ’21 jewels’ print looks a bit too big. The case has been heavily polished too. So, as your watchmaker has confirmed it is a Citizen 8200 auto, but with wrong case back, that has been worked on. As it’s an Eagle 7 it is most probably from the mid 1980s, but I don’t have any catalogs from that period, and the dial may or may not be the original colour. Sorry I can’t be any more specific – shows how useful a correct case back can be!

Hello Stephen, thanks for the info, I didn’t give you a great deal to go on and as you say, all the information is in the caseback but mid 80’s is close enough for me, the only other info on the dial was Japan and 8200 but extremely faint, (the watchmaker, through his eyeglass confirmed this), looks good on the wrist and keeps excellent time after a service, again, thanks for an excellent site, regards, RoyW

I have a Citizen Quartz Watch that I think is gold. I have all the information that is stamped on it. I am unsure which one can be used to determine what the watch is but I am having difficulty finding it online anywhere. The face plate has Japan 3220-320660 and the back plate (battery cover) [first line]CITIZEN [second line]BASE METAL YP [third line] 3220-320514 Y [fourth line] 6080310 [fifth line] 32-5228 [sixth line] JAPAN. Please help me to figure out what I have and what it’s worth, if anything. Thank You!!!

Hi Trisha, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid I’m not so familiar with Citizen’s quartz models but here is what I can tell you. This is what the numbers mean on the case back:
3220-320514 is the case number, which indicates that there is a 3220 quartz movement inside, whilst 32-5228 is the model number – watch makers would use these numbers when servicing or repairing watches to find the correct part numbers. YP indicates a gold tone case

6080310 is the serial number and the first three digits indicate the production date. However we need to know which decade the movement was used in. Since I don’t know the quartz models too well, I can’t be sure, but it is likely to be from the 1990s, so if that’s correct yours is from August, 1996. I’m afraid quartz watches don’t have any great value. For your inof here’s a link to the relevant technical manual: http://www.thewatchsite.com/files/Citizen%20Technical%20Manuals/3220.pdf

This watch was the first mechanical watch that was given to me by my father. He was given it at a function over here in Australia while he was a radio personality and they had these watches on the table in blocks of ice. Dad had two textile watch bands that were with it, one was tan and the other was red and blue striped.

I am wondering what year this watch was from, what sort of band it normally would have had and what sort of water resistance was to be expected from a watch of this model. The winder was replaced when I got it around 28 years ago, and it had a full service (it is a hand wind model) and I am wondering if there is a specific winder that I need to get for it now so that it maintains it’s water resistance level. Not that I want to go swimming with it on… Thanks heaps for your thoughts and any info you can provide for this watch.

Hi Tim – thanks for visiting my blog. It’s great to hear you still have your first watch 🙂 And it is very interesting to read it was presented on ice, presumably to show that it was water resistant. What you have is a hand winder using the 1800 movement, which is the ‘Homer’ (02) movement with date complication. These were first produced in 1962 and had a long production run, not least because they are a strong and reliable movement. ‘4-180909′ is the case number which helps identify the movement, and 63-1507 is the model number – the ’63’ prefix is also typical of watches with this movement inside. ‘TGP’ is of course the case material code, indicating a gold plated model. ‘PARAWATER’ was used by Citizen for waterproof, up to 1972/3 at the latest when it had to be dropped in favour of ‘Water Resistant’. The first three figures in the serial number tell us that the watch was made in November 1967.

My reference material doesn’t give a band part number, so it it looks like this model did not retail with a metal bracelet so a simple leather strap would have been likely.

A ‘parawater’ watch with no depth rating on the dial has just basic water and dust resistance, so it would always be wise to avoid any use in water, swimming or showering for example, although in perfect, new condition it may well have been very effective as long as there was no real water pressure exerted.

Does the crown need to be replaced? The correct crown will have a rubber gasket which would seal to the tube that carries the stem through the case, so it is important to get a correct replacement. Unfortunately, the problem these days is finding an original one…..

Many thanks for your reply and all the information, it is great to learn a bit more about this watch. The crown is still working well, but when I was given it, the crown was missing which is why my Dad had stopped using it I presume. He had it serviced and the shaft and crown would have been replaced. Do you have any idea what the original crown would have looked like? The replacement may have been original seeing it was replaced back around 1984. It does seem to fit very snugly to the case like it was made to fit.

Thanks for the pictures Stephen, I had a chat with my dad and he said that the watch was one that a friend bought from the US for him. The one in the block of ice was a timex and he said it was pretty trashy and didn’t last long, so my mistake there. I find it interesting that the code says that the case is gold plated when it is only the ring that is plated, the rest is stainless. He seemed to remember that the original band was a stretch metal gold band, which was later changed out for a textile band.

hey i have a citizen quartz watch
on the back it says
citizen watch co
water resist
base metal
5920 K15052 CK
230344
GN-0-S – 10
can you tell me if there is gold in there or what the watch it worth? thankyou very much!

Hi Joanna, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid I don’t know very much about more recent quartz watches, however unless your watch is stamped ’18K’ or ’14K’ even if it’s gold coloured there is probably very little if any gold in it.

Hi Sinead, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m not so familiar with quartz models I’m afraid, but if you want to let me know what else is marked on the case back I can see what information I can give you.
Stephen

Hi Roy – good to hear from you. I believe this is another Eagle 7, with the 8200 automatic movement. Is that correct? This type of serial number – six digits and the letter ‘N’ for November – is indicative of later models, so I would think this one could be as late as 1997. Can’t be certain though I’m afraid since I don’t know when this style was first used, so it could be 1987.

I have an early watch that still keeps good time but not sure of its origin or age, hope you can help., it has the numbers on the back , 4-18081y, 20300826, 63-1418. And on the face it has. Japan 1800. 188664-y

Hi Gary, thanks for visiting my blog. Your watch is a hand winder, with the 1800 ‘Homer’ movement inside. This is the date version of the 0200 movement which is normally referred to as the ‘Homer’ since the most well known and prolific model it was found in was the Homer. The 0200 was first produced in 1960, with the 1800 date version following in 1962. It became a proven, reliable design and had a long production run, to around 1980. And the same movements produced under licence in India by the HMT company stayed in production for a great deal longer.

The markings on yours, particularly the case number (4-18081 – is there another digit in the number?) and the model number (63-1418) are typical of the late 1960s/early 1970s, so we can pin the production date down to March 1972 (see first three figures in te serial number). Around this time Citizen’s ‘parawater’, or ‘waterproof’ on export models, was being phased out and replaced by ‘water resistant’, so a 1972 model could have either – is yours marked at all?

Good to hear yours is still keeping good time – in good condition the Homer movement is very sound, and a ‘second setting’ version was issued to Japan’s national railway staff so they had to be reasonably accurate too!

Hi Stephen
Thank you for your quick response.
Iooks like I did leave a didget of the end it was 4-180810 y .
My parents gave me this watch for my 18th or 19 th birthday so that was around 1973 -74 , the glass on the face is very scratched so I’m going to have it replaced and serviced and use it again.

Hi Chris, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid I’m not so familiar with quartz models, and I don’t know when the 6115 movement that’s in yours was produced. The earliest it could be is 1981, but it may be 1991.
Stephen

I have recently looked through my late fathers stash of vintage watches and found a Citizen Automatic amongst them. It does not keep good time So I will need to consider whether to get it serviced / repaired or not. Could you please let me know if you could tell me any information regarding this watch? The details are as follows:

On the front:
Citizen
Automatic
‘Three Stars’
21 Jewels
Has a day and date window

Hi Dan, thanks for visiting my blog. The details you’ve given suggests your watch has the 6501 movement inside. There should be a dial code, in small print under the 6 o’clock marker, and if this starts with ‘6501’ then that confirms the movement. The 6501 movement was made in the early to mid-1970s, and yours is from 1976 (see first figure in the serial number). The 6501 is a nice movement, which can run reliably and accurately when in good condition. I did wonder whether it might have the 8200 movement – but a dial code will confirm which it is.

4-165390 is the case number, and this contains a clue to the movement inside. 71-6332 is the model number, which is of less use these days. 6300352 is the serial number and the first two digits give a production date of March 1976. It can’t be any other year for this movement since it was only produced in the 1970s.

The poor time-keeping might be resolved simply by a service to thoroughly clean and lubricate it. This would need to be done by a good watch maker who is familiar with vintage mechanicals. It is possible to find movement parts for these if needed – possibly from a ‘donor’ watch.

Hi Stefan, thanks for visiting my blog. I avoid giving opinions on value since there are many variables, so I advise people to search eBay for similar models, in similar condition, to get an idea. Your watch is puzzling me since the dial markings suggest a Crystal 7 model, but ‘water resist’ and other marks on the back look to be later in style than the Crystal 7’s would normally be. Could the ‘crown’ on the dial be an Eagle motif do you think? If so, then you have an Eagle 7 model which fits better with the case back markings. There may be a dial code, in small print below the 6 o’clock marker, and that may have the movement number at the start, e.g. 8200. In general terms these models don’t have great value ‘gold’ plated models have less value these days than stainless steel.

The 8200 was first produced in 1976, and was used for over 30 years, so can be hard to date. The Eagle 7 motif suggests the 1980s or 1990s. The serial number – 786487 – tells us it’s from 1987 or 1997. I’m afraid I can’t be sure exactly which one. The case number – 4-S8142 doesn’t look correct – could it be a ‘2’ rather than ‘S’ and is there one more figure? There are usually seven figures in the case number, i.e. 4-xxxxxx.

Hi Neil, thanks for visiting my blog. Citizen did make Mickey Mouse watches, but I haven’t got info on them I’m afraid. A search of the internet using the case number only brings up an Eagle 7 model. Can you see a dial code? It will be under the 6 o’clock marker. If you can upload pics somewhere it would be helpful to have a look at the watch, including the movement of you can take the back off. Stephen

First of all – great site. I stumbled across the 8110 range by accident on eBay whilst looking for something else and fell in love with them.

I have an 8110A which I would like a bit of help with. The case back reads:
4-901045 TA
1072831
GN-4-S
67-9119
Japan
SSB

I believe the case back to be correct to the watch as it has the rotating bezel. However, I have chipped the edge of the glass and am struggling to get hold of a new one. I Googled it and came across you list of all the styles you know of and saw the parts list. Looking at that, it shows that these have a unique(?) glass – part number 54-50880. Are these available?

Also, trying to determine the production date I came a bit unstuck. Your list says that the 8110A was manufactured from ’72 until ’80. I read my serial number (if it is 1072831) as being made in July of either ’71 or ’81 though so I guess I have a very late or early one?

I have 4 8110As in total (including a 67-9038 & a 67-9020) and love them!

Hi Simon – thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comment. Your 67-9119 sounds all correct. As to the production date, it looks like I need to extend the run to 1981! I’m pretty certain that it won’t have been made as early as 1971. The first 8100 and 8110 models were launched in October 1972, and as far as I know the 67-9119 wasn’t in the early line-up, but first appeared around the mid-1970s. Sounds like you haeve a nice 8110 collection 🙂

You’re right about the crystal number but I’m afraid that crystals for all the 8110 models are getting increasingly hard to find. I may be able to help on this one though – please let me know if you want me to email you.

I am quite happy with it. They all work but not all have original crowns which is a bit of a shame but not the end of the world. Now looking for a speedy, an octagonal challenge timer and 67-9071 though!

More than happy for you to email me. Do you have my email from my posts or should I send it to you?

Hello! First of all, you have a fantastic blog! Very interesting!
I wonder if you could help me with a watch that I have found. I wonder if its genuine and would like to know more about the watch.
It is a Citizen Automatic with a eagle 7 logo.

Hi Anders, thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comments. The links to your photos are fine, I’m afraid visitors aren’t allowed to post images directly here. The watch looks fine to me, it’s an Eagle 7 from April 1987, with the 8200 movement. The case may have been polished, taking a little of the sharpness from the edges, but otherwise the markings look good, and it has an appropriate dial code. There’s more info on this movement here: https://sweep-hand.org/2013/01/27/the-8200-movement-citizens-standard-auto/

You’re welcome Anders 🙂 If the replacement glass is correct for the watch then it’s not a problem. Changing a worn crystal is the best way to immediately improve the look of a vintage piece. What is not good is if the glass is not correct, and / or has been glued in rather than being fitted correctly.

Hi! I recently got two watches which I am trying to figure out their date of manufacture and some more about them. So my search took me here! You have a great blog and I hope I wont be a burden if I ask you about them. I tried to date them but I seem to not really get it correctly.

The first one Im not sure if this is a hand wind one or automatic one. I dont know if I should open them or not.
Case says;
Citizen All stainless steel, Water proof
I1307, 81000410

And here is the other one!

Thank you! And I will be reading this blog from now on! Very Interesting!

Hi Paul – thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comments. The first watch is a hand winder, with the ‘Homer’ date 1800 movement inside. This movement was first produced in 1962, and your example is from October 1968. It’s marked waterproof so it is earlier than 1972/3, and is an export model since it is marked ‘proof’ and not ‘parawater’. This is the first example I’ve seen with the ‘I’ case number, which is absolutely correct, but unusual.

Your second watch is a re-dialled 8200 automatic – probably done in India where lots of these models are re-done, presumably because the original dials are beyond rescue. Harder to date as a result n=but most likely from the 1980s – is the first figure in the serial number a ‘5’? If so that would make it 1985.

Please have a look round for more info on the 8200 movement, and your 1800 Homer – the 02/Family Tree will help, and the Movement Table too.

Hi Paul – I’ve now had chance to have another look at your watch, and to find similar examples in my reference files and on the web. At the moment I think that your has been re-finished. I can’t find other examples with JAPAN MADE on the dial. It’s always just JAPAN either on its own under the 6 o’clock marker or to the side with a numerical code as well.
Stephen

I have a watch that I have not worn in years. Not sure what to do with it. I doubt it’s vintage, the battery is dead. Should I just give it away? Here is the information on the back:
Citizen
water resist
base metal ssg:
2030-288033KT
1100192
31-5460
GN-4W S

Hi Joanna – thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid I don’t know so much about quartz watches – I would think it’s probably from 1991, but I can’t be sure. I’m afraid quartz models, unless they are very early examples and / or very high end, nave little value.

Hi Roy – good to hear from you again 🙂 These are both 8200 automatics I think. The Eagle 7 one is of course! Both case numbers are correct, and the Eagle 7 looks to be from November 1987 I would think. I had a quick look for an example of the other one, and found a recent eBay sale – did you buy that one? That looks to me to be a re-dial, so it may have had an Eagle 7 dial originally. Has it not got a serial number? Also is there a dial code, or is it marked ‘JAPAN MADE’ which is often seen on re-dials?
Stephen

Hello Stephen, I did buy it recently and, Yes it has Japan Made and NO dial code, is that not the “71” code for country ?(i.e 71-2931 for Japan), completely missed the serial no.(11202091) and could be 4-282080 KT, slightly mis-read, also has a CTZ crown, bit of a mystery this one, but the “stamped” or “engraved” caseback does look dated, there is another Citizen from the same seller with virtually the same dial but with a different style of case but the caseback DOES look to be a newer design, thanks again for your repsonse, regards, RoyW

Hi Chris – thanks for visiting my blog. This site is all about vintage watches, and I know very little about modern ones. Personally I don’t like most modern watches so I’m probably the last person to ask for advice! 🙂
Stephen

Hi Zach – thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comment. Apologies for my late reply. I’m afraid I am not so familiar with Citizen’s quartz models, but I think your watch is a ‘Seven’ model. If so, then it was made in September 1980, and uses the 1400 movement. This movement was a significant one, in that it was the first to give a battery life of 8 years – a considerable improvement over the typical 1 to 2 year battery life at the time. Here’s a link to the relevant technical manual, where you’ll see the technology described as ‘Citizen’s technical superbness’ 🙂

Hi Stephen, I have a ladies gold citizen watch. The face is very small, maybe 1/2″ in diameter. There are no numbers, just gold posts and two gold hands. It has a bevelled gate type bracelet which is stamped JAM 375 .along with something else I can’t make out. The case is stamped 9ct gold with a few other assayers marks that I can’t make out. The face has the markings citizen Quartz Japan 5420 F45348 KA. It was given to me as a present over 20 years ago I think. The bracelet needs attention and the watch needs a service. I was wondering if it worth fixing it up?
Thanks

Hi Geri – I’m afraid I can’t help very much with a relatively recent quartz model. From your description it may be that your watch case and bracelet was made by a jewellery maker who has then used the Citizen 5420 movement, since the case back is not marked in the usual way and would typically be made of stainless steel. I would think it is worth sorting out if it’s not too costly to do, especially if it has some sentimental value, and since it is also a piece of jewellery. For information, here’s a link to the relevant technical manual: http://www.thewatchsite.com/files/Citizen%20Technical%20Manuals/5420.pdf

Hi Stephen. I have a yellow Citizen Quartz watch and I’m wondering when it was manufactured. It has a circular face of roughly 1.25 inches with numbers along the face. There are two black hands and one gold-colored second hand. Below is the caseback inscription.
Citizen Watch Co.
Base Metal YP
6100-S13327 SMK
0050571
=> 5

Hi Justin, thanks for visiting my blog. I’nm not so familiar with the quartz models, but from a little research it seems that the 6100 movement was produced in the 1980s. This leaves a bit of a problems since the serial number gives the year as ‘0’ so it could be 1980 or 1990. I’ve seen one or two described as from the latter half of the 1980s, so I would think it more likely that yours is from 1990. For info here’s the relevant technical manual: http://www.thewatchsite.com/files/Citizen%20Technical%20Manuals/6100.pdf

Wow! Thank you for the knowledgeable and quick reply! Apparently this watch was passed down from my granddad so I’m a little skeptical about it being from the 90’s. That being said, I’m taking a look at the technical manual and things certainly seem to match up quite nicely.
Cheers

Hi Justin – the earliest it could be is 1980, but I’m afraid I don’t have any catalogues later than 1979 so I can’t search anything to pin it down a bit more. The 6100 movement isn’t in the 1979 list. I’ve seen one 6100 model described as being from 2000! Quartz technology developed so quickly and movement designs and designations also changed rapidly so it won’t have been in production for that kind of time.
Stephen

I have a number of Citizen vintage watches (3) and I wanted to get some help if possible. Some of them need some work so just would like to get a picture of if it is worth fixing them up. I would be happy to send you some pictures if that would help. Please let me know what you think.

Hi Jeremy, thanks for visiting my blog. I believe your watch is one of the ‘Eagle 7’ models, which use the 8200 automatic movement. That movement was first produced around 1976 and the Eagle 7 range appeared in the 1980s. 4-063155 is the case number, and 71-2159 is the model number, and both seem to be authentic Citizen numbers. GN-4-S is the case type, and indicates a water resistant type with a screw down back. The serial number – 11048512 – suggests to me that it is from October 1981 (from first three figures), so is an early Eagle 7 model. Is there an Eagle motif on the dial? There should also be a dial code printed beneath the 6 o’clock marker. If these are not present, then it may have been re-dialled, which is not uncommon with these 8200’s.

Oh my I’m in love with this thread!
I have a tougher question
I have a 15 year old Citizen Quartz (according to citizen customer service)
Serial is 5930-s004578
I’m in love with this thing. Daily driver.
I am sending it in for a Third time. Yikes!
I know that it has been out of production for 14 years. I know that I want it.
It’s worthless to many.
I have searched and searched.
I found two whole posts on eBay that ended forever ago. I’ve been to every place I can think. What say you on how to find another of this watch.
It was a production watch, nothing limited or special. I just can’t find it!
I just want another!

Hi, thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comment. Unfortunately I’m not much help with quartz models. A search for your model – 5930-s004578 – doesn’t get too far. Thousands of quartz models have been produced over the years and there is little or no info on them, and they are not collected so there is no reference material to be found. If there’s a problem with the movement it would be easy enough to replace it. The movement is the 5930 so if you search eBay for Citizen 5930 there are quite a number for sale that could donate the movement, and I did see that you can buy a new replacement movement when I did a quick search.